Caye Caulker airport (CUK)

Caye Caulker Airport (IATA code: CUK, ICAO code: MZCK), commonly known as the Caye Caulker Airstrip, serves the island of the same name in Belize. It acts as a vital air gateway for leisure travelers heading to the Belizean cayes, operating daily scheduled domestic flights and charter transfers connecting the island to Belize City and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

Official Website: belizeairportsauthority.com

Terminals

The airfield operates with a single single-story air-conditioned passenger building housing departures, arrivals, baggage check-in, and airline service desks under one roof.

Annual passenger traffic: Not publicly available.

 Location

The airstrip is situated approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) south of central Caye Caulker Village, at the southern end of the island. Due to the island's small footprint, transit between the terminal, hotels, docks, and restaurants takes only a few minutes.

What services does Caye Caulker airport (CUK) offer?

Caye Caulker Airport features a functional single-level terminal building housing an air-conditioned passenger lounge. Facilities and amenities include:

Dining and Shopping

There are no food stalls, duty-free shops, or retail stores inside the terminal. A wide range of beachside eateries, cafes, and grocery shops can be reached within minutes in the village center.

Financial Services and Connectivity

No automated teller machines (ATMs), currency exchange counters, or bank branches exist at the airstrip. Bank offices and ATMs (including Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank) are located downtown. The airlines maintain internet connections for operational use, but no official open public Wi-Fi network is provided in the waiting area.

Other Services

The facility provides basic restrooms, ticket/check-in counters, and domestic air cargo and courier services operated directly by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

Accommodation near Caye Caulker airport (CUK)

Nearby Hotels

There are no hotel accommodations located inside the airstrip grounds. Given the island's short distances, numerous properties are situated within walking distance or a short golf cart ride. Notable nearby options include Mayan Falls, Anchorage Resort, Barefoot Beach Belize, and Iguana Reef Inn.

Public and private transportation

Conventional passenger cars are strictly prohibited on Caye Caulker due to its compact size and sandy tracks. Ground transit options to and from the airstrip include:

Golf cart taxis

This is the standard motorized transport method on the island. Authorized golf cart taxi operators meet arriving flights outside the terminal entrance to drive travelers and luggage to their lodging. The usual fare is about 10 BZD (5 USD) per person, and the journey takes between 5 and 10 minutes.

Walking

Central Caye Caulker Village is located only 1.6 km (1 mile) north of the airstrip, making it a 15 to 20-minute walk along sandy pathways or the shoreline.

Bicycles

Many local hotels and guesthouses provide rental bicycles or greet arriving guests directly at the airstrip with their bikes.

Car rental agencies

There are no conventional car rental desks at Caye Caulker Airport, as standard cars are prohibited on the island.

Golf Cart Rentals

Golf carts serve as the legal motorized vehicle of choice. Visitors can rent golf carts on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis from local agencies in Caye Caulker Village, or arrange in advance to have a rental company deliver a cart directly to the airstrip upon arrival.

Parking services at Caye Caulker airport (CUK)

Parking

There is no automobile parking facility at the airstrip or anywhere on Caye Caulker, as cars are prohibited. Directly outside the terminal entrance, there is an open clearing used for temporary parking of golf carts and bicycles.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Reduced Mobility Access

The terminal building is laid out entirely on a single ground level, offering step-free movement for travelers with mobility concerns. However, regional domestic flights are operated by small utility aircraft (such as the Cessna Grand Caravan) that require boarding via small manual airstairs. Passengers requiring special mobility assistance must notify and coordinate with their airline (Maya Island Air or Tropic Air) at least 48 hours in advance of travel.