Extension of Guyana’s airports’ shutdown “likely” – GCAA Head

COVID-19 outbreak

Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field has signalled a possible extension of the shutdown of the country’s international airports, as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to pose serious threats.
When contacted on Saturday, Field indicated that discussions will be facilitated with the National COVID-19 Task Force and Public Health Ministry to determine whether the suspension will be lifted. However, the likelihood of an extension is high, he said.

“I will be speaking with the Ministry of Health and the Task Force and then a determination would be made. More likely, it will be extended but you will get a report of that shortly in another couple of days,” the Director General posited.
Since March 18, the Cheddi Jagan and Eugene F Correia International Airports were closed to commercial traffic, only operating for outgoing, cargo, medevac or specially authorised flights. Guyana joined Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and many other countries in the closing of their airports to international flights as threats from the virus advanced.
The initial order was expected to last until March 31, but was further extended until May 3. As the global pandemic deepens, travelling poses a higher contraction rate, especially from one country to another. In fact, asymptomatic passengers can fly under the radar and infect other people without any awareness.
Major air carriers around the world have opted to cease operations from popular destinations until the virus is contained. One of the first was American Airlines, which announced since March that it would be suspending its flights to several locations across the world including Guyana in a bid to slow down the rapid spread of the virus.
A few days later, Caribbean Airlines declared a suspension of international fights, after the Government of Trinidad and Tobago went ahead to close all commercial services out of the country.
In an issued statement, the airline stated that domestic flights will continue. It went on to say that customers holding tickets for international services beyond March 23, 2020, can place them on hold for future travel.
Headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, the carrier provides its services across the region, especially in linking Caribbean states and North America. Prior to this closure, the airline had implemented a number of measures in preparation.