By Khadidja Ba
Yesterday was a landmark moment in Caribbean travel as InterCaribbean Airways launched its inaugural direct flight connecting Guyana and Grenada. The new service, which will operate twice a week, promises to strengthen regional ties and provide a convenient air link between the two Caricom member states.
The flights will operate every Thursday and Sunday, with departure from Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport at 12:20 pm, arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana at 1:50 pm. Return flights will leave Guyana at 2:35 pm and touch down in Grenada at 4:10 pm.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Minister of Mobilization, Implementation and Transformation of Grenada Andy Williams, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Kamrul Baksh, Chief Executive Officer of InterCaribbean Airways Trevor Sadler, and CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority Petra Roach, among others.
Baksh expressed his enthusiasm for the new flight, describing it as a “seminal moment” for regional travel. He highlighted the importance of Caribbean connectivity for Guyana’s tourism sector, noting that the Caribbean is the second-largest travel market for the country. “This route is pivotal in connecting Caribbean people and goods. It will undoubtedly play a fundamental role in bridging the divide between nations and fostering tourism,” Baksh said.
The flight marks a significant step in enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure. As part of the celebrations, a team of ten Grenadian media representatives and influencers are visiting Guyana, experiencing some of the country’s top attractions and cultural sites. In return, a delegation of ten Guyanese will travel to Grenada for a similar familiarization trip. This exchange is expected to generate vibrant content that will promote the rich offerings of both nations.
The collaboration between the tourism authorities of the two countries has been particularly fruitful. Baksh noted that the partnership between the two agencies has already led to joint promotional initiatives, including curated itineraries designed to boost tourism in both countries. “The compatibility between Grenada’s beaches and Guyana’s pristine eco-tourism offerings creates a perfect blend for travellers looking for diverse Caribbean experiences,” he said.
Sadler, reflecting on the airline’s impressive growth, remarked: “Today is a special day for us. Just three years ago, we launched our first flight into Guyana, and now, we’re adding another important route to our network. This is part of our broader mission to connect the Caribbean and provide seamless travel options across the region.”
Guyana, a market long considered underserved in terms of air connectivity, has been an area of particular focus for InterCaribbean Airways. The airline’s continued expansion is seen as a major step toward improving regional travel options, particularly as tourism in Guyana is experiencing a steady rise, driven by the country’s growing energy sector.
“Guyana is a market that is maybe long overdue to see true growth of tourism, aside from the energy business, which has obviously been a major driver of the economy here. But we believe the potential for tourism is enormous, and we are excited to be part of that future,” Sadler shared with Stabroek News on the sidelines of the event.
Sadler noted that adding new routes was never a simple task. “It’s not easy to inject a new route overnight. It requires a degree of planning and coordination, as well as having the right aircraft to support these services. So today marks another important step in that journey,” he said.
He also stated that connectivity across the Caribbean was at the heart of InterCaribbean’s mission. “The greater the connectivity we provide, the more efficient the travel becomes, and this ultimately benefits the entire region. Guyana, in particular, has historically been somewhat disconnected from the rest of the Caribbean, and now, with just two non-stop destinations available, you can already connect to 12 countries via our network,” he added.
Sadler highlighted the flexibility of the airline’s new routes, noting that even with connecting flights, the service is faster and more efficient than many other alternatives. “Even if there’s a stop along the way, there is no quicker alternative than the connectivity we offer. We’re making regional travel a reality for people who want to move across the Caribbean seamlessly,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sadler hinted at more expansions on the horizon. “Several new opportunities are in the works, and we are very much looking forward to the future. As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to work on expanding our presence in Guyana and across the region,” he added.
InterCaribbean Airways, founded in 1991, has been steadily increasing its route network, bringing more options to travellers across the Caribbean. With its latest expansions, the airline aims to enhance its role as a key player in regional aviation and drive further growth in the Caribbean’s tourism sector. As Sadler put it, “This is just the beginning. We have much more to come, and we’re excited to continue this journey with Guyana and the wider Caribbean.”
The airline, which recently won the prestigious World’s Leading Regional Airline award at the World Travel Awards, has been expanding rapidly across the Caribbean, increasing access and convenience for travellers.
Meanwhile, Williams spoke of the transformative potential of the new route. “This flight is more than just a new air service; it is a bridge that connects two vibrant nations with rich cultural, commercial, and tourism opportunities. It simplifies travel, strengthens relationships, and opens doors for economic growth,” Williams said. The minister also noted that both countries are uniquely positioned to benefit from this new connection. “From Guyana’s lush rainforests and pristine waterways to Grenada’s beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, this route allows travellers to experience the best of both destinations,” he added.
“This is our chance to generate high-quality, multi-platform content that tells the story of two nations. Together, we can inspire a wave of travellers and content creators to explore our cultures, our landscapes, and our opportunities.”
