By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed that Maya Island Air will provide scheduled flights to Punta Gorda following Tropic Air’s decision to discontinue service to southern Belize, with the government agreeing to provide assistance with fuel costs to support the arrangement.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Briceño welcomed the agreement, saying residents and visitors travelling to Toledo would not be left without an airline connection.
The Prime Minister said Maya Island Air had agreed to operate the route and that passengers could begin purchasing tickets online.
The announcement follows Tropic Air’s decision to discontinue its Punta Gorda service effective November 1, citing years of financial losses associated with operating the route.
Briceño acknowledged that Tropic Air’s management had legitimate financial concerns but expressed disappointment that the airline announced its withdrawal without first engaging the government in discussions about possible solutions.
He suggested that earlier consultations could have provided an opportunity to address the company’s concerns before a decision was made to discontinue service.
Asked whether Maya Island Air would receive a government subsidy, Briceño said the arrangement did not involve a direct operating subsidy to the airline but confirmed that government assistance with fuel would form part of the agreement.
He did not disclose the financial value of that assistance or provide details of the arrangement.
The Prime Minister was also questioned about whether businesses associated with Maya Island Air’s ownership might receive additional government benefits under the agreement. However, he did not provide a substantive response to that question.
The government had previously confirmed that Maya Island Air was interested in operating the Punta Gorda route.
Briceño said the new arrangement would ensure that tourists and residents could continue travelling by air to and from southern Belize.
The post PM Briceño confirms Maya Island Air will take over Punta Gorda flights, government to provide fuel assistance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed that Maya Island Air will provide scheduled flights to Punta Gorda following Tropic Air’s decision to discontinue service to southern Belize, with the government agreeing to provide assistance with fuel costs to support the arrangement. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Briceño welcomed the agreement,
The post PM Briceño confirms Maya Island Air will take over Punta Gorda flights, government to provide fuel assistance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
