Aviation disruptions in the United States could have consequences far beyond its borders, and Belize is watching closely. With so much of the country’s international passenger traffic relying on U.S. airlines, prolonged flight cancellations, delays or ground stops could eventually affect services into the Philip Goldson International Airport. For now, Belize has reported no direct interruptions, but aviation officials are keeping a close eye on the situation as concerns grow about possible ripple effects on international travel. So how exposed is Belize if the disruptions continue? News Five spoke with Director of Civil Aviation Nigel Carter about the potential impact and what travelers should know.
Nigel Carter
Nigel Carter, Director of Civil Aviation
“Our considering that Belize has direct flight to the U.S. they are obliged to provide us with notice to airmen whenever there is any disruption to air traffic. At 2:54 today the FAA notified us that there was a ground stop for the entire U.S.”
Paul Lopez
“Did they provide any reason for it?”
Nigel Carter
“No reason was provided. The notice just detailed the specific situation in this instance the situation is that there has been a ground stop.”
Paul Lopez
“And that information says nationwide, all flights, all airports.”
Nigel Carter
“Correct.”
Paul Lopez
“What is the latest you have received?”
Nigel Carter
“So that ground stops remain in effect. It affects departures from airports and it affects arrivals. Those flights that are already enroute can continue, notwithstanding they won’t allow any further takeoffs or landings. They will allow landings of aircraft that would have already been enroute.”
Paul Lopez
“Now clearly this could have some implications if it continues into tomorrow. What is the thoughts and considerations there if this persist?”
Nigel Carter
“Well I cant say, it is really individual to every airline. Obviously there will be delays. I would venture to say that there could be cancelations, although that is left to the determination of each airline. We have to keep in mind there is a network. So it is not just an aircraft coming from Houston to Maimi to Belize, but rather an aircraft coming to Miami from another destination, and if that flight was delayed in its departure from its original destination then there is a chain of reaction that will come afterwards. So, it is quite likely we will see some significant delays, and if the airlines deem it necessary then cancellations as well, considering they may be able to consolidate flights at later dates. So it is quite possible that we may see delays tomorrow and beyond tomorrow as well.”
According to Carter two flights to the U.S. are currently grounded in Belize. He stressed that the U.S. grounding that does pose any security concerns for Belize at this time. Carter advised travelers to remain in communication with their airlines if they have an upcoming flight.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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