Honduras port remains open but borders closed
July 1, 2009
With deposed Honduran president Manuel Zelaya vowing to fly back to regain power and political unrest in some parts of the country, the main port, Puerto Cortes, remains open at this time and operating under normal conditions, according to Bloomberg news service, container carrier APL, and BDP Global Network Partner Grupo Genesis in Honduras.
Airports also remain open although flight arrivals and departures are restricted to daylight hours.
Honduran Customs is operating on normal hours in Puerto Cortez, San Pedro Sula and Toncontin (airport Customs in Tegucigalpa). However, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua have closed their borders with Honduras. As such, Customs offices at the borders with Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala are closed.
All businesses remain open, however major highways to and from the port vicinity are partially blocked as periodic street demonstrations connected with the political unrest occur, curtailing truck transport. Cargo is being held at the port until highways are passable.
As the political situation in Honduras remains in a state of flux. BDP continues to monitor impacts on trade and transportation, and will send along follow-up advisories as conditions warrant.
