Guyana is a hidden gem in South America, with diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a unique cultural heritage with many international and domestic airports. Whether arriving for an expedition into the wilds of the Amazon rainforest or being charmed by Georgetown’s colonial capital region, having information about the airports in Guyana helps ease the transition. There is one major international airport in the country, and several regional airports and small airfields connect remote areas. Airports in Guyana – Here is all you need to know about travel!
Top Airports In Guyana
Airports in Guyana serve both international and domestic passengers, offering essential connectivity across the country. Here is the list of the key airports.
1. Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)
Photo: Steve Knight / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Guyana’s largest and busiest airport is situated 41 km to the south of Georgetown Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). It was originally known as Timehri International Airport and was set up in 1941. It works as the country’s primary international entry point. Cheddi Jagan International Airport is Guyana’s gateway to North America, the Caribbean, and South America and is home to American Airlines, JetBlue, and Caribbean Airlines. This airport in Guyana has two runways, a new passenger building, duty-free shopping, an eatery, and car rental.
Location: Timehri, Guyana
2. Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL)
Photo: Brian James / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Originally called Ogle Airport, Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL) is the second largest Guyanese airport. Situated 6 km from Georgetown it contains domestic and regional flights. Today the airport is a focus of tiny aircraft, private business charters, and business travel servicing such as removal to inner islands and neighbouring countries such as Suriname, Trinidad, and Barbados. OGL offers essential facilities such as VIP lounges, baggage handling services, and car rentals. As a contributor to increasing regional trade and eco-tourism, the airport is like an essential route for people travelling to isolated Indigenous towns and conservation areas.
Location: Ogle, Guyana
3. Lethem Airport (LTM)
Photo: Efrem Efre / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Rupununi near the Brazilian border, Guyana’s Lethem Airport (LTM) is a vital stopover for travel into southern Guyana’s rainforest and savannah areas. Airport services mainly small aircraft and charters connecting remote places to Georgetown and other interior settlements. It is essential for trade, tourism and medical evacuations, especially in communities where there are no roads. Trans Guyana Airways and Air Services Limited, offer flights from Lethem, thereby, linking both locals and visitors. This airport in Guyana is a port of entry for eco-tourism locations; Rupununi Savannah, Iwokrama Forest, and Kanuku Mountains.
Location: Lethem, Guyana
4. Mabaruma Airport (USI)
Photo: MESSALA CIULLA / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mabaruma Airport (USI) is located in northwest Guyana, serving remote villages and community communities. It mostly operates domestic and charter flights, often used for government operations, medevacs and cargoworkoutst. The airport is key for accessibility in the region, giving air service to Georgetown and other distant communities. Air Services Limited provides flights to and from Mabaruma, they also support the passengers needed for the area which are residents, officials and tourists. The area around Mabaruma is famous for dense rainforests, its original population and its vicinity to the Venezuelan border, which makes this airport in Guyana critical for trade and connection to the airport.
Location: Mabaruma, Guyana
5. Kaieteur International Airport (KIA)
Photo: Michel Gilliand / Wikimedia Commons
Kaieteur International Airport (KIA) Kaieteur National Park is a small airport used mainly for tourist charter flights. It is the best and easiest entry point to Kaieteur Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the world. The airport of Mill Hill takes charter flights from Georgetown, almost exclusively carrying tourists and researchers. The one-hour flight provides stunning aerial views of the rainforest as it descends near the ground, close to the Kaieteur Falls visitor centre. Although the airport is small, it serves a vital function in the efforts to promote eco-tourism in Guyana.
Location: Kaieteur National Park, Guyana
Where To Stay
Photo: Donald Tong / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For anyone looking for a place to stay close to Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Georgetown, the choice is vast and varied no matter what your budget is. For a lavish stay, the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown offers fine amenities and services. If you would like a budget option with good locations, The Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel is a good choice, it offers the least expensive rooms with comfortable en suite and is very close to the city centre. Located in the Grand Coastal Hotel, for a relaxing and serene experience, amenities are nearby and still close to popular amenities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Mahmoud Salem / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Guyana is known for its diverse cuisines that combine the Caribbean, South American and Indian. For those with easy access to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), there are a couple of popular places to eat that may serve. New Thriving Restaurant is the perfect choice for someone who is looking for Chinese food, offering many delicious and authentic dishes in a casual atmosphere. For the authentic taste of Guyanese cuisine, El Dorado Inn Restaurant serves local dishes which signify the rich heritage of the country.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
- To have a hassle-free journey, it is good to reach the airport 2-3 hours in advance. This gives enough time for check-in, security rites and possible delays.
- When arriving at/departing from the airport, always choose an official taxi or pre-book a transfer for safety and reliability.
- Having all your travel documents at hand will also speed up the check-in process.
- Exchanging currency at the airport could be a practical way of having local currency ready for any emergencies, which might arise, upon your arrival at Guyana.
Airports in Guyana stand as crucial points in linking worldwide and domestic passengers. Of these airports, whether you are travelling to Lethem, Georgetowne capital, or the famous Kaieteur Falls, you can be sure that overall there are reliable services to ensure a hassle-free flight. Enjoy a hassle-free journey with effortless travel booking by planning a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels Image For Representation Only