Owais Crawford
Guatemala's Aurora International Airport was initially set to reopen to commercial flights on September 18, 2020, after being closed since mid-March. However, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, the reopening was postponed, and the airport remained closed. In 2023, it was reported that Guatemala, including its international airport, was open to tourists from most countries, with certain requirements, such as proof of a negative PCR test. While Guatemala has made strides in improving its security and tourism sector, it continues to grapple with political unrest and the impact of the pandemic, which have affected its borders and tourism industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 18 September 2020 |
| Airport name | Aurora International Airport |
| Airport location | Guatemala City |
| Airport health protocols | Alcohol gel dispensers, supply of biosafety equipment, trained staff |
| Border restrictions | No entry for travellers from the UK or South Africa 14 days prior to arrival |
| Border restrictions | Returning nationals must undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine |
| Border restrictions | Nighttime curfew between 21:00 and 04:00 |
| Border restrictions | Face masks are mandatory in all public spaces |
| Border restrictions | Virus-screening and quarantining measures are in place |
| Border restrictions | Extensive travel restrictions |
| Border restrictions | PCR test required for entry |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Guatemala's Aurora International Airport reopened to commercial flights on September 18, 2020
- The airport had been shut since mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Travellers must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before departure
- A curfew was in place from 21:00 to 04:00 local time until at least September 21, 2020
- Guatemala is one of the few countries accepting American tourists
Guatemala's Aurora International Airport reopened to commercial flights on September 18, 2020
The reopening of the airport came as Guatemala relaxed its coronavirus lockdown, which had been in place since mid-March 2020. By September 1, the country had registered more than 74,000 coronavirus infections and 2,760 deaths. The resumption of flights was welcomed by airlines worldwide, who were hoping for a recovery in demand as pandemic travel restrictions began to ease.
Guatemala's reopening plan included the implementation of a colour-coded "traffic light system" for municipalities, with colours ranging from green to red based on the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. This system allowed for a gradual resumption of economic activities, with sensible precautions in place. Despite the reopening, Guatemala continued to enforce a nighttime curfew and mandatory face masks in public spaces.
As of October 2023, Guatemala is open to tourists from most countries, with visitors required to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. However, there are still some border restrictions in place, such as the closure of the Guatemala-Belize border due to a lack of control over the pandemic. Guatemala has also received its first shipment of 81,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX mechanism.
Orange County Airport: Managing Busy Travel Hubs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport had been shut since mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The airport in Guatemala had been shut since mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic severely affected the country's economy and delayed its future goals. Guatemala's Aurora International Airport was closed to commercial flights for several months, with airlines worldwide hoping for a recovery in demand as pandemic-related travel restrictions began to ease.
The Guatemalan government announced the reopening of the airport to commercial flights on September 18, 2020, as part of the country's relaxation of its coronavirus lockdown. This reopening date was communicated in advance to allow airlines and travellers to plan their operations and trips accordingly. The airport's resumption of operations was aligned with the implementation of sanitary protocols and recommendations endorsed by the relevant authorities to prioritise the health and safety of all stakeholders.
To ensure a safe travel experience, the airport was equipped with gel alcohol dispensers, and staff were trained to adhere to all health protocols. Social distancing measures were also enforced within the airport premises. Additionally, the installation of a Health Centre was in progress to address any suspected cases of COVID-19 and provide assistance to Guatemalan citizens returning via deported flights. These comprehensive measures aimed to instil confidence in travellers and support the recovery of the aviation industry.
Prior to the airport's reopening, there was a period of uncertainty regarding the resumption of commercial flights. Initially, there were plans to reopen domestic tourism on July 15, 2020, but a surge in COVID-19 cases led to the postponement of these plans. The Guatemalan Tourist Board Inguat then proposed combining domestic and international tourism on August 15, 2020, but this plan also faced challenges due to the prevalence of red and orange-alert zones in the country.
Despite the challenges, the Guatemalan government remained committed to fostering tourism and commercial sectors in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2023, Guatemala is open to tourists from most countries, with specific requirements in place, such as proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. The country has also launched new flight routes, such as the Guatemala/New York City route operated by JetBlue, reflecting the ongoing recovery and development of the country's tourism industry.
How the Duttons' Airport Plans Were Thwarted
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Travellers must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before departure
Guatemala's Aurora International Airport has been open to commercial flights since 18 September 2020. The airport had been closed since mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure the health and safety of all travellers, administrative staff, and airlines, the airport implemented sanitary protocols and recommendations from the International Civil Aviation endorsed by the Presidential Commission for Attention to the COVID-19 Emergency (COPRECOVID). These protocols included social distancing, the integration of biosafety protocols, and the installation of a Health Centre to react to any suspicious cases of COVID-19.
As of October 2023, Guatemala is open to tourists from most countries. However, travellers must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before departure. This requirement is crucial for entering the country, and travellers should ensure they have the necessary documentation before their trip. It is important to note that Guatemala does not allow the entry of travellers who have been in the United Kingdom or South Africa in the 14 days prior to their arrival. Returning nationals must also undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon their return to Guatemala.
These measures are subject to change, and travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest requirements and recommendations. It is essential to monitor the situation and follow the guidelines provided by the Guatemalan authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful Central American country.
Cho Airport: What's in a Name?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A curfew was in place from 21:00 to 04:00 local time until at least September 21, 2020
Guatemala's Aurora International Airport was set to reopen to commercial flights on September 18, 2020, as the Central American country relaxed its coronavirus lockdown. Guatemala registered more than 74,000 coronavirus infections and 2,760 deaths during the pandemic, with the airport closed since mid-March.
The airport's reopening was accompanied by sanitary protocols and recommendations from the International Civil Aviation endorsed by the Presidential Commission for Attention to the COVID-19 Emergency (COPRECOVID). The air terminal was equipped with gel alcohol dispensers, a supply of biosafety equipment, and staff trained to comply with all health protocols.
Despite the airport's reopening, a curfew was in place from 21:00 to 04:00 local time until at least September 21, 2020. Face masks were also mandatory in all public spaces. These measures were implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19, which had already caused 79,622 confirmed cases and 2,897 fatalities in Guatemala as of September 10, 2020.
The situation in Guatemala regarding travel restrictions and curfews continued to evolve, with authorities modifying border control measures and entry restrictions based on the outbreak's evolution in other countries. As of 2023, Guatemala is open to tourists from most countries, but visitors must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Lyft Availability at New Orleans Airport: All You Need Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Guatemala is one of the few countries accepting American tourists
Guatemala is one of the few countries that has kept its borders open to American citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guatemala's Aurora International Airport reopened to commercial flights on 18 September 2020, making it one of the first countries in Central America to resume international air travel. The airport had been closed since mid-March, and the country had registered more than 74,000 coronavirus infections and 2,760 deaths during the pandemic up until that point.
The reopening of the airport and borders was part of the country's plan for economic recovery, with tourism being a vital component. Guatemala implemented sanitary protocols and recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Authority, endorsed by the Presidential Commission for Attention to the COVID-19 Emergency (COPRECOVID). These measures aimed to protect the health of travellers, administrative staff, and airlines. The airport was equipped with gel alcohol dispensers, biosecurity equipment, and staff trained to comply with health protocols.
Despite Guatemala's openness to American tourists, it is important to consider the safety and security risks in the country. While tourists are not usually targeted, violent crime, including homicides, is prevalent in Guatemala due to issues with gangs, drug trafficking, and a lack of police resources. Tourists can become victims of opportunistic crimes such as theft, robbery, carjacking, and sexual assault. Certain areas, such as Guatemala City, also have an altitude that may cause altitude sickness for some visitors. Additionally, there are safety concerns on the roads, with limited lighting on secondary and rural roads, and motorcyclists and pedestrians who do not always follow traffic rules.
When travelling to Guatemala, it is recommended to stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure personal safety. It is also essential to follow the local health guidelines and restrictions, as well as the advice of your home country's government regarding international travel during the pandemic.
Rapid City Airport: A Sprawling Aviation Hub
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Guatemala's Aurora International Airport reopened to commercial flights on September 18, 2020.
The airport was equipped with gel alcohol dispensers, and staff were trained to comply with all health protocols and the proper use of masks. Face masks were also mandatory in all public spaces.
Visitors were required to provide proof of a negative PCR COVID test result taken at least 72 hours before departure. Returning nationals had to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
