CJIA records 400% passenger growth as Guyana expands aviation capacity

Guyana’s aviation industry has recorded remarkable growth over the last five years, with passenger traffic rising by more than 400 per cent as the country continues to draw greater attention from tourists, investors and international businesses.

Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, outlined the sector’s progress on Wednesday during a panel discussion examining ways to improve air connectivity across the Caribbean through greater access, expanded airlift and more seamless travel.

Ghir said Guyana’s expansion in regional and international air services has been driven by a willingness to pursue new opportunities, strengthen partnerships and make deliberate decisions aimed at improving connectivity.

He explained that CJIA has worked alongside regional airports, tourism stakeholders and other partners to identify potential opportunities and encourage airlines to increase their presence in Guyana. “We actually worked with our partners in the region, with Tourism Valley, with the airports,” Ghir said, pointing to collaboration between airports and joint negotiations as important factors in securing new air service opportunities.

At the same time, he said CJIA made improving the passenger experience a deliberate priority. “We took a conscious decision at the airport, for example, that we want to own the passenger experience,” he said.

Ghir noted that passenger arrivals have climbed by more than 400 per cent over the past five years, while traffic recorded so far in 2026 has posted a further 12 per cent increase. He also highlighted the continued expansion of air cargo, which he described as an increasingly important part of Guyana’s aviation growth.

To accommodate the expected rise in traffic, plans are advancing for the construction of a new terminal at CJIA. The CEO identified the project as a key part of Guyana’s efforts to increase capacity and further develop the country as an aviation hub.

The new facility is expected to incorporate elements of Guyana’s culture and way of life while offering travellers greater capacity and upgraded amenities. As part of the wider airport development, the existing international terminal is also expected to undergo reconfiguration.

The project was allocated $3.2 billion in Budget 2026, following the start of preparatory activities in 2025. The investment comes as international travel to Guyana continues to expand and the country experiences growing interest from both the tourism and investment sectors.

Despite challenges facing the global aviation industry, including higher fuel costs and other operational pressures, Ghir said he remains optimistic about the sector’s future. “The outlook in this industry is very positive,” he said, adding that passenger traffic is expected to double by 2045.

According to him, those projections make it essential for Guyana to begin strengthening its aviation infrastructure and capacity now, ensuring that the country can take full advantage of future growth in regional and international connectivity. “As a hub, we will invest,” he said.