Guyana: New Air Traffic Control Tower Planned for Cheddi Jagan International Airport

The new Air Traffic Control Tower at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is set to enhance the airport’s capacity for simultaneous flight operations, according to Aviation Minister Deodat Indar. During a news briefing, he emphasized the need for expansion to create additional parking aprons for aircraft.

The planned tower will be situated on the opposite side of the airport, located in Timehri, East Bank Demerara. Minister Indar noted that the airport experiences congestion during peak flight times, leading to delays as planes wait for available parking spaces. He highlighted that the number of airlines operating at CJIA has increased from four in 2020 to 16 currently.

In addition to the new control tower, the Aviation Minister discussed broader modernization efforts within the aviation sector. These initiatives include updates to laws and regulations, as well as improvements to aerodromes, which will feature enhanced security measures such as scanners, additional cameras, and an inline baggage handling system.

According to Minister Indar, the increase in aircraft movements at CJIA reflects economic activity in the region, with recorded movements rising from 63,863 in 2020 to 99,508 by the end of 2025. This growth indicates a positive trend in the aviation sector, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development to meet rising demand.

The upcoming 3rd International Civil Aviation Organization/European Union Aviation Safety Agency Global Regional Safety Oversight Organization and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organization Forum for Aviation Safety is scheduled to take place in Guyana from September 29 to 30.

Source: demerarawaves.com