Spirit Airlines Makes Its Belize Debut

Spirit Airlines has officially touched down in Belize, marking the launch of its inaugural nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City. The U.S. Embassy celebrated the milestone this week, with Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer welcoming the first arriving flight and highlighting the strengthened connections the new route brings between both countries.

The announcement follows confirmation from the Belize Tourism Board that Spirit will operate three weekly flights beginning today. Known as an ultra-low-cost carrier, Spirit is promoting an introductory one-way fare of US$85, positioning the service as an affordable new option for Belizean and American travellers alike.

Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler said the new route is a significant development for the industry, especially in balancing airfare prices. “It is an ultra-low-cost carrier and it is important because you had pretty much a monopoly with American going into Maya, and the prices were high because they would focus on yields like most airlines,” Mahler said. “This will keep them a bit honest and give travellers an option at least.”

He noted that negotiations with Spirit took about two years—faster than some other airline agreements.