Cheddi Jagan International Airport to expand with new cultural terminal

President Irfaan Ali has announced that the new Terminal Two at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is being designed to reflect Guyana’s cultural identity and national ambitions. Speaking at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2026, Ali emphasized that modern airports must serve as gateways that tell a destination's story rather than just providing transit facilities.

The planned 180,000-square-foot, three-storey facility will include duty-free shopping, retail spaces, rental offices, and lounges. The expansion is intended to improve passenger capacity and efficiency by allowing the airport to operate separate buildings for arrivals and departures. Other planned upgrades include relocating the air traffic control tower to increase aircraft parking and installing an upgraded baggage-handling system.

Construction of the terminal began earlier this year, with the sod being turned in August 2025. The project is being executed by UK-based BHM Construction Inc. in collaboration with Manchester Airport Group Ltd. The expansion is partially financed through UK Export Finance, with the 2026 budget allocating $3.2 billion toward advancing construction. The facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.