The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri is currently undergoing extensive renovations to cater for the significant influx of passengers travelling to and from Guyana, while enhancing their travel experience and bolstering the country’s tourism industry, a Department of Public Information (DPI) release stated yesterday.
It added that the upgrades include an inline baggage system, a commercial centre, a VIP lounge, and a new administrative building.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, visited the site yesterday and during his inspection of the works, he highlighted the need for modern facilities for passengers. “If we are building out Guyana to be a point connecting the Caribbean and South America, then transit passengers must have an experience. So, we are catering to all of that. We have to keep modernising, keep adding, and keep improving.”
He further announced that within the next two to three months, travellers will notice significant improvements at the airport. “If you want to have fine dining because you have a four-hour layover or you come early to the airport because you don’t like to be in the crowd, you must be able to sit and have a hot meal, so we want to be able to put those facilities in.”
In addition, the new and improved inline baggage handling system will eliminate the need for passengers to take their bags to the scanner, as all screening will be done behind the counters to facilitate a more efficient operation.
The minister also disclosed that with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, a section will be constructed specifically for small vendors to ply their trade. It will have organised cubicles for passengers to shop for Guyana’s local products.
According to DPI, along with the upgrades for passengers, a new administrative office is under construction that will improve operational efficiency for over 300 airport staff members.
These projects are part of the government’s broader vision to transform CJIA into a world-class facility that caters to the needs of modern travellers and supports the growth of Guyana’s tourism sector, the release added.
