– More than 56,000 visitors entered Guyana in May
GUYANA recorded a significant surge in international arrivals during May as thousands of visitors travelled to the country to participate in the nation’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with more than 56,000 passengers entering the country during the period.
According to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC), the country welcomed over 56,000 passengers for the historic 60th Independence “Homecoming” celebrations, with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) processing approximately 48,500 of those arrivals. The figure represents a 16 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
The influx was driven largely by diaspora members returning home and international visitors attending a packed calendar of Jubilee events, including the National Flag-Raising Ceremony, the One Guyana Flag Concert, the Taste of Guyana culinary festival, and several major entertainment events featuring international artistes.
Despite ongoing challenges within the global aviation industry, including rising fuel costs and route adjustments by airlines in several regions, Guyana continued to attract increased airline interest. According to the release, international carriers have increased seating capacity to Guyana by six per cent so far this year, reflecting confidence in the country’s growing market.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, said the strong arrival numbers are a reflection of the continued growth and modernisation of Guyana’s aviation sector.
. Minister Indar stated that the strong numbers witnessed at CJIA reflect the steady growth of Guyana’s aviation sector, noting that the airport is performing at a highly efficient level, while maintaining dependable service standards.
He added that this growth aligns with the strategic economic framework and infrastructural vision established under the leadership of His Excellency President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to position Guyana as a key regional travel hub.
CJIAC noted that the successful handling of the passenger surge was made possible through coordinated efforts among airport management, airlines, ground-handling teams, customs and immigration agencies.
Several measures were implemented to improve efficiency, including optimised terminal operations, enhanced digital-screening technologies, increased security personnel and faster baggage-handling systems.
The airport corporation said these improvements helped reduce processing times and ensured that visitors were able to move quickly from their flights to the Jubilee festivities
