The US$65.5 million Terminal 2 project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was highlighted on Thursday as Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh welcomed visiting UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for talks on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The project, supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF), is intended to ease congestion, improve passenger processing and provide more space for commercial services as Guyana’s visitor numbers grow.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the terminal is being constructed by British firm Mowlem International (UK) Limited, formerly BHM Construction International (UK) Limited.
The new and upgraded facilities will separate arriving and departing passengers, reduce congestion in both areas and create additional space for duty-free shops, restaurants and other amenities.
Singh conducted a site visit before the bilateral discussions. Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir accompanied him on the terminal tour.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd also participated in the engagements. The British delegation included Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean Amy Barklam, UKEF Chief Executive Officer Tim Reid and British High Commissioner Joseph Fisher.
The airport expansion comes against a backdrop of rising travel to Guyana. The ministry said the country recorded 453,489 visitor arrivals in 2025, its highest annual total.
In his 2026 Budget presentation, Singh linked the need for additional airport capacity to economic growth, increased international attention and efforts to attract tourists.
“Looking forward, within this term, Government will construct a new arrivals terminal at the CJIA, as we continue its modernisation to meet international standards and position it to become a regional transport hub with in-transit capabilities,” Singh said in that presentation.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali turned the sod for the terminal in August 2025, presenting the development as part of a broader ambition to position Guyana as an international aviation hub.
The Government’s wider aviation agenda includes municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall/Canje, upgrades to hinterland airstrips and runway extensions where appropriate.
