Guyana’s accelerating economic development is driving growing demand for air connectivity, infrastructure and aviation services, said Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar on Tuesday.
Indar spoke at the opening of the ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum in Guyana, which brought together aviation representatives from about 60 countries to examine issues such as safety oversight, international co-operation and the strengthening of civil aviation systems.
The minister said Guyana’s changing economic landscape requires a modern and reliable aviation sector capable of supporting increased movement of people, investment and commercial activity.
He pointed to the country’s economic performance in recent years, noting growth of about 43.5 per cent in 2020, 20.1 per cent in 2021, 62.3 per cent in 2022, 32 per cent in 2023, 36.2 per cent in 2024 and 19.1 per cent in 2025.
Guyana also recorded approximately 33 per cent economic growth in the first half of 2026, according to figures cited by the minister.
Minister Indar said the transformation taking place across the country is being driven not only by the development of the oil and gas industry but also by government investments and policies across energy, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.
AVIATION SAFETY A KEY PRIORITY
While highlighting the aviation sector’s expansion, Indar stressed that growth must be matched by robust safety systems and strict adherence to international standards.
“Aviation safety is not something to compromise on,” he said, emphasising that the consequences of aviation failures can affect passengers, families, operators and regulators alike.
The minister said the ICAO/EASA forum offers participating countries an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen technical capacity and identify practical ways to improve aviation safety.
He acknowledged that countries participating in the forum have different economic conditions, technical capabilities and levels of development across their civil aviation systems.
For that reason, he said that international collaboration remains essential.
“We have to learn from each other. We have to lean on each other, and that is what we are here for,” Minister Indar said.
He also warned against countries developing aviation systems in isolation.
“We cannot be an island of excellence in a sea of mediocrity,” the minister said.
MORE AIRLINES, GREATER CONNECTIVITY
Minister Indar said Guyana’s economic expansion is already evident in the growth of its aviation market.
According to the minister, the number of airlines operating in Guyana has risen substantially in recent years.
“In 2020, we had four airlines. As of this morning, we have 16 airlines in Guyana,” he said.
He described the increase as a sign of a rapidly changing aviation environment and of growing demand for connections between Guyana and international destinations.
Minister Indar said the Government is pursuing further improvements to aviation infrastructure, including ongoing expansion at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and plans for further airport development.
These investments, he explained, are intended to improve the movement of passengers and goods and to support wider economic activity.
GUYANA TARGETING REGIONAL AVIATION HUB STATUS
The minister said the Government’s broader aviation strategy focuses on strengthening links between Guyana and international markets.
“Our vision is to attain better connectivity between Guyana and the world. It is to make Guyana a regional hub for aviation,” Minister Indar said.
He noted that the Government is also working to improve Guyana’s compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommended practices.
Greater co-operation with international aviation partners, he added, will help strengthen the country’s airspace management, regulatory capacity and overall safety framework.
Minister Indar also highlighted the growing importance of aviation at the national level, pointing to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s decision to establish a dedicated ministry responsible for the sector.
According to Minister Indar, the decision reflects the role aviation is expected to play in supporting Guyana’s continued economic transformation.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES EMERGING
As Guyana’s passenger traffic, infrastructure and international connections expand, Indar encouraged airlines, investors and other aviation-sector stakeholders to explore the opportunities emerging in the country.
He referred to the concept of “first-mover advantage”, noting that rapidly developing markets can create opportunities for businesses that establish a presence early.
The minister said Guyana’s economic expansion, coupled with rising demand for air travel and ongoing infrastructure development, could support additional investment across different areas of the aviation industry.
He added that Guyana’s growing participation in regional and international aviation organisations provides an opportunity for the country to deepen its role in the global aviation community as its aviation system continues to develop.
INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION
The ICAO/EASA forum provides a platform for civil aviation authorities, international organisations, industry representatives and aviation specialists to discuss common challenges and examine ways to improve regulatory oversight and safety systems.
Minister Indar welcomed the participating delegations and aviation professionals and hoped the discussions would build stronger partnerships, increase knowledge-sharing, and produce practical measures to advance aviation safety.
He said continued international co-operation will be critical as Guyana expands its aviation infrastructure and works towards becoming a more connected regional aviation centre.