— says carriers have indicated possible start dates as gov’t intensifies efforts to expand international air connectivity
AT LEAST two Canadian airlines have expressed serious interest in introducing direct flights to Guyana, with the carriers already indicating possible commencement dates, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar disclosed on Monday.
Speaking at the Canada–Guyana Business Forum 2026, hosted by the Canada–Guyana Chamber of Commerce at the Atlantic Suites Hotel in Georgetown, Minister Indar revealed that discussions with several Canadian airlines have been progressing as the Government seeks to strengthen air connectivity and make Guyana more accessible to international investors, tourists and the diaspora.
While declining to identify the airlines or disclose the proposed dates, the minister said the level of interest was encouraging.
“At least two of them have said to me that they’re very interested in the market,” Indar said, adding that the operators had provided dates when they expected to commence flights.
He explained that improving direct air access remains a priority, particularly as Guyana’s expanding economy continues to attract international businesses seeking opportunities in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and other sectors.
Drawing on his experience in the private sector, Indar recalled leading a delegation of 11 Guyanese business representatives to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2017–2018 to examine Canada’s oil-and-gas industry and local-content framework.
He said that although there was significant interest among Canadian businesses in Guyana’s emerging petroleum sector, lengthy travel arrangements created challenges for prospective investors.
Travellers from Newfoundland and Labrador, for example, frequently had to connect through Toronto before continuing to Georgetown, adding several hours to their journeys.
According to Indar, those arrangements discouraged some businesses from travelling to Guyana, despite their interest in establishing commercial partnerships.
“What is sense to have this wonderful investment destination where nobody can reach you?” the minister questioned.
He stressed that expanding direct flights would help remove such barriers, improve business mobility, and support the Government’s broader efforts to position Guyana as a competitive investment destination.
The latest discussions build on ongoing efforts to attract additional international carriers to Guyana’s growing aviation market.
In September, during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Latin America & Caribbean in Panama City, Minister Indar publicly encouraged major regional carriers, including LATAM Airlines and Arajet, to explore opportunities in Guyana.
At that forum, he highlighted the country’s expanding economy, increasing passenger traffic and growing demand for air travel as reasons for international airlines to consider establishing new routes.
Indar had also disclosed that the number of airlines serving Guyana increased from four in 2020 to 16 in 2026, reflecting the expansion of the country’s aviation sector.
Air connectivity between Guyana and Canada has already improved, with Canadian carrier Air Transat launching direct services between Toronto and Georgetown in December 2025.
Caribbean Airlines also introduced daily non-stop flights on the route in July 2026.
The Government is simultaneously investing in airport infrastructure to accommodate increased passenger traffic and facilitate further expansion.
Among the major projects is a second terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), along with plans for new airport facilities in Berbice and Lethem.
During Monday’s forum, Indar also outlined plans to improve approximately 60 hinterland airstrips, including 34 projects for which the tender process had closed and bids were under evaluation.
He said expanding both international and domestic connectivity was essential to unlocking opportunities in tourism, trade, investment, and regional economic development.
The minister reiterated that Guyana’s rapid economic transformation must be supported by an aviation network capable of connecting the country to more international markets, ensuring that accessibility does not become a barrier to sustained growth.
