MINISTER of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, has said that Guyana’s rapid economic transformation is driving an equally ambitious expansion of the country’s aviation sector, with the Government working to improve connectivity, strengthen aviation safety and position the country as a regional hub.

Minister Indar made the remarks on Tuesday during the opening of the ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum in Guyana, where representatives from approximately 60 countries have gathered to discuss co-operation, safety oversight, and the strengthening of aviation systems.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Indar said Guyana was proud to host the high-level forum and stressed that aviation safety must remain at the centre of the sector’s development.

“Aviation safety is not something to compromise with,” the minister said, noting that when failures occur, the consequences extend far beyond regulators and operators to passengers and their families.

He said the forum provides an important platform for countries to learn from one another, build partnerships and strengthen their capacity to implement international aviation standards and recommended practices.

“We have to learn from each other. We have to lean on each other and that is what we are here for,” Minister Indar said.

The minister noted that participating states have different economic circumstances, levels of technical capacity and varying degrees of maturity in their civil aviation systems, making international co-operation critical.

“We cannot be an island of excellence in a sea of mediocrity,” he warned.

Turning to Guyana’s development, Indar said the country’s rapid economic growth has significantly increased the movement of people, businesses and investment, placing greater demand on the aviation sector.

He pointed to Guyana’s economic expansion since the start of oil production, citing growth rates of approximately 43.5 per cent in 2020, 20.1 per cent in 2021, 62.3 per cent in 2022, 32 per cent in 2023, 36.2 per cent in 2024 and 19.1 per cent in 2025.

He also referenced growth of approximately 33 per cent for the first half of 2026.
Indar attributed the wider transformation not only to Guyana’s natural resources, but to the Government’s development policies across sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.

Further, he highlighted President Dr Irfaan Ali’s decision to place greater focus on aviation through the establishment of a dedicated ministry reflects the importance of the sector to Guyana’s continued growth.

According to the minister, that focus is already producing measurable results.

“In 2020, we had four airlines. As of this morning, we have 16 airlines in Guyana,” Minister Indar said, describing the increase as evidence of the pace at which the country’s aviation market is expanding.

He said the Government is also continuing its infrastructural programme, including expansion works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and plans for additional airport development to improve mobility and facilitate the movement of people and goods.

The broader objective, he explained, is to develop Guyana’s aviation ecosystem in a coordinated and sustainable manner while creating stronger links with international markets.

“Our vision is to attain better connectivity between Guyana and the world. It is to make Guyana a regional hub for aviation,” Minister Indar noted.

He added that Guyana is also working towards greater compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards and recommended practices, while strengthening the safety of the country’s airspace through co-operation and knowledge-sharing with international partners.

Indar said Guyana’s growing international profile is also creating opportunities for the country to take on a more prominent leadership role within the global aviation community.

He noted that Guyana continues to participate in regional and international aviation bodies and is looking to deepen that engagement as its aviation sector matures.

The minister also encouraged international airlines, investors and aviation stakeholders attending the forum to consider the opportunities emerging in Guyana.

Drawing on the business concept of “first-mover advantage”, Indar said rapidly developing markets create opportunities for investors willing to establish themselves early.

He said Guyana’s expanding economy, growing passenger traffic, infrastructural investments and drive for stronger international connectivity are creating space for further investment across the aviation sector.

Indar thanked the international delegations, aviation officials and industry representatives participating in the forum and expressed hope that the discussions would result in stronger partnerships and practical solutions to advance aviation safety and development.

The forum brings together civil aviation authorities, international organisations, industry leaders, and aviation experts to examine ways countries can better coordinate resources, strengthen regulatory oversight, and improve aviation safety systems.