IN response to the severe damage inflicted on the runway lighting system by a powerful thunderstorm and lightning on Sunday night, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has reported that the runway lighting system has been repaired and is now operational.
Minister Edghill said that CJIA’s runway lighting system operates on two separate circuits. The repair team, comprising CJIA’s maintenance staff and Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) personnel, has worked diligently to restore the first and second circuits.
The updated information, according to the minister, has been communicated to airlines through a Notice to Airmen (Notam).

“I am happy to report that the damages that were done to the lightning protection system on Sunday night due to the severe lightning and thunderstorms were being worked on by the GPL staff and the airport maintenance team.
“Their aim was to replace the damaged runway cables and transformers. These teams were able to restore the runway light circuits, which would allow night flights to be landed safely in Guyana,” Minister Edghill said.

Despite the existing lightning protection system, Minister Edghill emphasised the need to investigate the failure and determine necessary improvements. Additionally, considerations regarding fuel costs are being evaluated since both the primary and backup systems failed during the storm.
Addressing negative comments on social media regarding the placement of airport lights, Minister Edghill clarified, “Runway lights have to be placed in a particular manner to ensure the safe landing of planes. All around the world, these lights and the lighting protection systems are set up in a manner that is required by the aviation authority, and in Guyana, there is no difference. When we discover the cause of the failure, we will be able to make all the necessary determinations and act accordingly to the findings.”

Minister Edghill also extended a message to passengers who were diverted to various countries, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. He underscored that the primary concern is passenger safety, stating, “Every time you think about aviation, the number one priority is safety. Airlines, airports, and the aviation authorities work together to ensure the safety of passengers, and we will always act for the safety of our passengers. Even though there may be delays and inconveniences due to poor lighting on a runway or any other issue that affects the safety of the passengers on any flight, the authorities will always do what is in the best interest of the people on board.”

In a press release, CJIA confirmed the successful restoration of the runway light circuit, enabling night flight operations. According to a report from the CJIA Facebook page last night, “The Cheddi Jagan International Airport is pleased to announce that the runway lighting system has been repaired and is now operational. This vital system sustained damage on Sunday due to severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
Several flights are scheduled to land at the airport this evening.

CJIA will now undertake a thorough evaluation of the current lightning protection system to enhance resilience against future lightning strikes.
The airport extends its gratitude to its stakeholders and the travelling public for their support during the recent disruptions.”

The damage occurred on Sunday afternoon, when the Timehri area experienced intense rainfall with thunder and lightning, affecting several GPL and CJIA transformers and rendering the runway lighting inoperable.
The airport staff, in collaboration with GPL, have collaborated to rectify the issue and ensure the safety of all incoming flights. The CJIA also extends its gratitude to the airlines and passengers for their patience and cooperation during this period of service interruption.