Sod turned for Terminal 2 at CJIA as Guyana eyes global connectivity, investment

…UK firm awarded contract
The ground has been broken for the construction of a new terminal building at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which is expected to be completed in about three years. The contract has been awarded to BHM, an international company that forms part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Mowlem Group. The sod-turning ceremony was held on Monday at Timehri, marking the official start of the project. According to officials, the final design is now being completed, after which construction will commence. The project carries an 18-month deadline for completion once work gets underway.

The development will also impact the existing terminal, as the new facility will be outfitted to serve as the departure terminal. Authorities say this upgrade will create a much-improved experience for passengers, offering smoother processing and faster journeys. Additionally, upon entering the terminal, travelers will encounter atriums showcasing Guyana’s biodiversity, giving visitors a distinctive first impression personalised to the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised that the construction of Terminal 2 is not being undertaken in isolation, but as part of a wider vision to transform Guyana’s airports to international standards capable of attracting foreign investors. “This Sod turning signals that an idea has moved beyond the physical shape…. This is a public declaration of intent, a promise to the people that what has been envisioned will be built and that the future is being planted literally in the soil,” the Head of State declared.
He urged Guyanese to envision the scale of development that will come with the project, noting that the new terminal will play a key role in positioning the country as a global hub.
“We have to have a terminal that can process thousands of people within 72 hours. Why? Because we’re going to build a world-class arena to host international events here, so we can support our investors who are building the hotels, international concerts, international boxing, MMA, every market we’re going after. Every single market we’re going after. We have to, we must be the home of global sport and entertainment. We’re going to put investments in.”
President Ali painted a picture of the future of the CJIA, stressing that Guyana has the potential to become a major hub in the region.
He also pointed to the broader implications of the project, particularly in the context of international trade.
“And with the changes in the international trading platform, stability…and Guyana must offer that stability and predictability for international investors.”
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, explained that the construction of the new terminal positions Guyana on an international level because of the advanced equipment that will be incorporated.
“We were not able to accommodate Code D and Code E type aircraft [in the past]. [However] the [aviation] bridges that are now out here can accommodate both Code D and Code E type aircraft…the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of CJIA and I discussed what would happen if KLM with their wide body aircraft and British Airways with their wide, coming at the same time, because of some scheduling issues, what would happen? While we’re talking about expanding and putting in Terminal B, because of the rate and the speed and the kind of equipment that is coming to Guyana now, we still have to stay ahead of the games,” Edghill explained.
The Minister said this is precisely why the country is moving ahead with a second terminal, as Guyana is growing. To reinforce his point, he cited the recent historic landing of Qatar Airways at CJIA.

“We sat and stood here and watched the magnificent aircraft with Qatar Airways coming in here. Mr President it could never have happened before if we did not have the expanded and enlarged runway and the capacity to handle that kind of aircraft. If we did not put in the necessary technology, improving all that had to happen in terms of the software, in terms of the aviation sector, to allow for landing, ensuring predictability, no matter how long a flight is when they get here, whether it’s fog or not, they must be able to land. We have made the investments and it is paying off.”
In addition to constructing the new facility, BHM will be partnering with the Manchester Airport Group to design and build the 150,000 square-foot arrivals terminal. The company will also undertake the reconfiguration of the existing international terminal as part of the project.