President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana will begin discussions with major international airlines as the Government seeks to secure a global carrier to establish a hub at the new Terminal Two under development at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand Guyana’s international air connectivity and to leverage the country’s geographic location to strengthen links between South America, the Caribbean and Africa.
President Ali made the announcement at the opening of the ICAO/EASA Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (RSOO) and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisation (RAIO) Forum on Aviation Safety.
GOVERNMENT TO ENGAGE MAJOR CARRIERS
The President said the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation has been instructed to begin discussions with major international airlines that may be interested in making Terminal Two their operational base.
“For those international players here, we are now looking for a partner at Terminal Two, someone who will make Terminal Two their hub, their global hub,” President Ali said.
He said the Government is prepared to engage with airlines capable of using Guyana as a strategic connecting point for routes linking different regions.
“We are mandating the ministry to begin negotiations with all the major players who want to use Terminal Two as their hub, whether it’s to West Africa, South America, or the Caribbean. We are ready to finalise those negotiations,” Dr Ali said.
GUYANA’S LOCATION SEEN AS A STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE
According to the President, Guyana’s geographic position, together with investments in infrastructure and human capital, provides a foundation for developing a stronger aviation industry.
He said the Government is seeking to build the institutional and technical capacity necessary to support the country’s ambitions and attract major international aviation partners.
“Our humble…task in Guyana here is to position Guyana as a global provider in terms of aviation,” President Ali said.
He further stressed the importance of securing a major carrier that can operate from Terminal Two and help strengthen Guyana’s position within the international aviation network.
“We have to ensure that we have a major player utilising Terminal Two as the hub, as their hub, our hub,” he said.
TERMINAL TWO DESIGNED FOR EXPANDING TRAFFIC
Terminal Two is being developed as Guyana experiences a significant increase in international travel, driven by economic expansion, investment and tourism.
The new facility is expected to cover approximately 150,000 square feet and to provide additional passenger-handling capacity and other facilities at CJIA.
The existing international terminal is also expected to be reconfigured as part of the wider airport development programme.
The project received an allocation of $3.2 billion in the 2026 National Budget, with preparatory works beginning in 2025.
CJIA ENVISIONED AS A TRANSIT GATEWAY
President Ali had previously outlined the Government’s broader vision for the airport at the August 2025 sod-turning ceremony for Terminal Two.
At the time, he said CJIA should serve not only as a principal gateway for people travelling to and from Guyana, but also as a transit hub connecting South America with Africa, North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
He also said the new terminal should reflect Guyana’s identity by integrating elements of the country’s culture and natural environment into the passenger experience.
AVIATION EXPANSION BEYOND GEORGETOWN
The development of Terminal Two is part of a wider Government programme to strengthen aviation connectivity across Guyana.
Plans have also been outlined to develop additional municipal airports and to improve hinterland airstrips, with the aim of making air travel more accessible while supporting economic activity in communities outside Georgetown.
The Government’s aviation strategy comes as Guyana continues to attract more visitors, investors and businesses, creating additional demand for reliable international and domestic air connections.
The planned engagement with major international carriers marks another step in the Government’s effort to position Guyana not merely as a destination but as a potential connecting point within the wider aviation network linking the Caribbean, South America and Africa.