– Pres Ali says talks will begin with global carriers serving South America, the Caribbean and Africa

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana is seeking a major international airline to establish a hub at the new Terminal Two currently under construction at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), as Government moves to position the country as a significant player in global aviation.
The Head of State made this disclosure while delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the ICAO/EASA Third Global RSOO and RAIO Forum on Aviation Safety.
President Ali said the Government has already mandated the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation to begin discussions with major international carriers interested in using the new terminal as a base for regional and international connections.
“For those international players here, we are looking now for a partner in Terminal Two, someone who will take Terminal Two as their hub, their global hub,” the President said.

He said negotiations are expected to target airlines capable of using Guyana’s geographic position to facilitate connections to South America, the Caribbean and Africa.
“We are mandating the ministry to begin negotiations with all the big players who want to use Terminal Two as their hub, whether it’s to West Africa, South America, connected to the Caribbean. We are ready to finalise those negotiations,” Dr Ali said.
The move forms part of a broader effort to expand Guyana’s aviation infrastructure and improve its international connectivity amid rising passenger and visitor numbers.
At the sod-turning ceremony for Terminal Two in August 2025, President Ali said the Government’s vision was for CJIA to become a major arrival and departure point for Guyana while also serving as a transit station for travellers moving between South America, Africa, and North and Central America.
At that time, he said the new terminal should reflect Guyana’s identity and provide travellers with an experience that showcases the country’s culture and natural environment.
The new 150,000-square-foot facility is intended to accommodate growing traffic at CJIA and provide additional space and facilities, while the existing international terminal will also be reconfigured.
The project received a $3.2 billion allocation in Budget 2026, with preparatory work having commenced in 2025. The expansion is being pursued against the backdrop of increased international travel to Guyana associated with the country’s economic growth and growing interest from investors and tourists.
Further to this, the Government had also outlined plans for new municipal airports and upgrades to hinterland airstrips as part of a wider effort to strengthen national and international air connectivity.
However, President Ali told the Aviation Safety forum that, “Our humble…task in Guyana here is to position Guyana as a global provider in terms of aviation.”
Against this backdrop, he pointed to the country’s geography, infrastructure investments, institutional capacity, partnerships, and investment in training and human development.
“We have to ensure that we have a major player utilising Terminal Two as the hub, as their hub, our hub,” the President said.