Fire at CJIA causes temporary disruption; operations resume

A fire broke out in the check-in area of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Sunday, causing temporary disruptions to flight operations and prompting a swift emergency response. Operations resumed several hours later.
The incident occurred around midday when a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit ignited, producing smoke that quickly filled the departure lounge, as fire embers dropped to the floor from the ceiling, creating a small fire pile while fire alarms blared. At the time, check-in procedures were underway for Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Flight BW527 and a Suriname Airways(SLM) flight.
Passengers and airport staff were promptly evacuated as fire alarms activated and emergency protocols were initiated.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded promptly, containing the blaze before it could spread further. No injuries were reported, and the fire was isolated from the airport’s electrical distribution system, allowing for the restoration of power and the resumption of flight operations later in the day.
Passengers were allowed back into the terminal, and check-in and boarding activities recommenced with minimal residual delays. Airport authorities confirmed that all systems were restored, and flights resumed their regular schedules later in the afternoon.

The incident caused minor disruptions to the CAL and SLM outbound flights.
CJIA’s emergency systems, including fire alarms, emergency lighting, and fire shutter doors, functioned effectively, facilitating the safe evacuation of all individuals present
In an official statement issued Sunday, CJIA assured the travelling public that safety remains its top priority.
“We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our passengers. The swift response of emergency teams, coupled with the effectiveness of our systems, helped us avert what could have been a more serious event,” the release stated.
This is not the first time CJIA has had to respond to a fire-related emergency. In 2009, a small blaze in the generator room caused a temporary power outage. And in 2015, three firefighters were injured when a fire truck overturned on the airport’s runway.
In light of this, to bolster its emergency response capacity, in May 2024, the GFS announced plans to establish a new outpost at the airport to enhance emergency response times. The proposed facility is now located in a hangar south of the London Army Base, strategically positioned to support the expanded runway and increased airport operations.
The establishment of this outpost is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs to bolster the nation’s security sector. The 2024 National Budget allocated G$4.3 billion to the GFS, with G$505 million earmarked for the refurbishment of existing fire stations and the construction of new ones, including the CJIA outpost.
The GFS is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the recent fire, as an initial CJIA press release noted that the fire is suspected to be electrical in nature.
Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on any residual delays.