Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, announced significant improvements in the aviation sector following the launch of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) e-services landing permit system. In an interview with the News Room on Tuesday, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing and expanding the sector.
The newly introduced online aircraft landing permit system is now fully operational, replacing a previously cumbersome paper-based process. This allows operators to submit applications digitally and receive approvals before aircraft departures. “It’s a very fantastic operation. It’s working, and we have to do the others as well. The folks at GCAA are working on it,” Minister Indar stated.
In alignment with President Irfaan Ali’s mandate, the ministry is focused on positioning Guyana as a regional aviation hub. “Building out infrastructure is one part of it, making sure that we have cheaper travel is another part of it,” Indar explained, highlighting the importance of accessibility in attracting investment.
A strategic plan is already in motion, which includes the ongoing completion of Terminal Two at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The minister disclosed that two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued shortly for further airport-related work, reinforcing the government’s infrastructural development agenda.
The government is also rehabilitating and modernizing interior aerodromes, many of which currently lack concrete runways. By 2026, several of these aerodromes are expected to be upgraded with concrete surfaces. “We will be launching two RFPs shortly for Rose Hall airport and one at Lethem too. We are fixing at least about 40 of the aerodromes to make them concrete surface,” he said.
Additionally, the regulatory framework for the aviation sector is being modernized to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and efforts are underway to expand cargo-handling facilities to support the export of agricultural products to international markets.
Minister Indar emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible air travel, noting that competitive pricing is crucial for attracting investors and facilitating business travel to Guyana. As these initiatives unfold, the government aims to significantly enhance the aviation landscape in Guyana, positioning the nation for sustainable growth in the sector.
