Cheddi Jagan Int’l Airport rated best airport in the Caribbean, second in LAC region

In a remarkable achievement, Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport has been recognised as the premier aviation hub in the Caribbean, ranking it #1 for Overall Passenger Experience and Satisfaction.

Furthermore, the airport also ranked 2nd place for Overall Experience within the broader Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, which encompasses 43 participating airports. It placed just behind a major airport in Mexico.

The recognition came from the Q1/ 2026 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) results. The ASQ is the aviation industry’s most respected passenger service and benchmarking program. Managed by the Airports Council International (ACI), ASQ is entirely independent of any government or airport influence. It relies on a scientific methodology that collects data directly from passengers while they are at the terminal, evaluating over 50 specific touchpoints—including check-in efficiency, security wait times, and restroom cleanliness.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, commended the management and staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation for this historic milestone.

“I want to personally commend the CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, his dedicated staff, and all industry stakeholders for their excellent work in achieving this ranking. This success is not an accident; it is a direct result of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s mandate to drive radical efficiency across all government agencies.

“What makes this achievement significant is that we are a state-managed entity competing—and winning—against large-scale private and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airports throughout the region. Our ability to rank just behind two major Mexican airports proves that Guyana is no longer just a participant in the regional market; we are a leader,” he said.

Minister Indar highlighted that the “efficiency process” has been significantly bolstered by the synergy between infrastructure and technology. Key initiatives include:

• Digital Integration: The implementation of electronic gates (e-gates), coupled with the rollout of the new National ID card, has streamlined passenger processing, drastically reducing wait times at immigration.
• Expanding Infrastructure: To maintain this momentum and accommodate the fast-growing international passenger traffic, a new state-of-the-art terminal is currently under construction. This facility is specifically designed to enhance passenger comfort and ensure the airport can scale alongside Guyana’s rapid economic expansion.

Under the Irfaan Ali-led administration, the airport has seen an explosion in global interest. The number of airlines operating in the market has grown from 5 carriers to 16, opening new routes to Europe, North America, and South America.

These results solidify CJIA’s position as a world-class gateway, reflecting the government’s commitment to delivering a seamless, high-quality experience for every traveller entering the Land of Many Waters.