­—International flights, cargo volumes and airline capacity also record sharp growth

THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has recorded significant growth across all major aviation indicators over the past five years, with international landings, passenger movements, cargo volumes and seat availability all climbing sharply as Guyana’s economy and connectivity continue to expand.

Data released by the airport shows that international aircraft landings increased by 254 per cent between 2020 and 2025, rising from 1,646 landings in 2020 to 5,827 in 2025.

The figures show a steady annual increase, with international landings reaching 3,094 in 2021, 4,141 in 2022, 4,341 in 2023 and 5,083 in 2024 before climbing to 5,827 last year. The airport also recorded a 14.6 per cent increase in international landings between 2024 and 2025.

Passenger traffic also reached its highest level during the period.

According to the data, total passenger movements surged by 432.5 per cent, increasing from 182,736 passengers in 2020 to 973,016 in 2025.

Passenger numbers more than doubled to 370,194 in 2021 before rising to 657,249 in 2022. The upward trend continued with 729,450 passengers in 2023 and 856,831 in 2024, representing a further 13.6 per cent increase between 2024 and 2025.

The airport’s statistics also point to sustained expansion in airline capacity.

Available aircraft seats increased from 341,506 in 2020 to 1,708,095 in 2025—an overall increase of 400.2 per cent. Seat availability climbed to 626,152 in 2021, surpassed one million at 1,093,944 in 2022, rose to 1,244,178 in 2023 and reached 1,487,877 in 2024 before increasing by another 14.8 per cent in 2025.

CJIA noted that the consistent upward trend reflects the continued expansion of airline services and increased travel demand.

Cargo operations also recorded strong growth over the five-year period.

Total cargo imports and exports handled at the airport increased by 88.5 per cent, rising from 7.66 million kilogrammes in 2020 to 14.43 million kilogrammes in 2025.

Cargo volumes stood at 9.22 million kilogrammes in 2021 before easing slightly to 8.92 million kilogrammes in 2022. They rebounded to 11.28 million kilogrammes in 2023 and climbed further to 13.57 million kilogrammes in 2024 before increasing by another 6.3 per cent in 2025.

In a statement accompanying the statistics, CJIA attributed the sustained growth to Guyana’s expanding economy and ongoing government investments in national infrastructure.

The airport said the administration of President Dr Irfaan Ali has created an environment that supports international trade, business and travel through large-scale infrastructural projects and sustainable development policies.

According to CJIA, targeted investments in the tourism and agricultural sectors have contributed to the continued growth in passenger traffic and cargo operations, while strengthening Guyana’s links to international markets.

The airport said the improved connectivity is supporting the country’s growing eco-tourism industry and facilitating the export of agricultural products to destinations around the world.

The latest figures indicate that Guyana’s main international airport continues to experience sustained expansion, reflecting increasing demand for air travel, greater airline capacity and stronger trade activity as the country’s economy continues to grow.