American Airlines has announced that they be offering direct service from London Heathrow to Belize City starting in November of this year, marking the first time that Britons will be able to fly to the former British colony of Belize without having to transfer in the United States or Mexico. Beginning November 4, 2016, American Airlines will be offering outbound flights in the afternoon from London that land in Miami before continuing on to Belize City.
“We’re really excited about American Airlines offering direct flights from London starting in November,” said Larry France, Marketing Manager of the Chabil Mar resort in Placencia, Belize. “Belize experienced an 11.4% increase in visitors from the United Kingdom in 2014 and we look forward to seeing more Britons experience the magic of a holiday in Belize.”
English loggers known as “Baymen” first settled on the Caribbean Coast of what is now Belize in the 1600s, drawn to the area as a source of valuable hardwood timber. By 1786, Great Britain had formally wrested control over the area from Spain and began administering the region as a colony. Granted full independence in 1981, Belize is Central America’s only county where English is the official language. Today, Belize has a parliamentary democracy and is a member of the British Commonwealth. Belize City was founded in 1638 and served as the colonial capital until 1970. Belize City is still the largest municipality in Belize and the port for all international flights and cruise ships.
Chabil Mar is a multiple award-winning luxury resort located on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. It is served by domestic air carriers Maya Island Air and Tropic Air with connections from Belize City.