Suriname expands airport infrastructure and modernizes aviation systems

Suriname is undertaking significant upgrades to its aviation infrastructure to meet international standards and accommodate growth in the oil and gas sectors. The airport expansion includes the addition of six passenger gates—increased from an original plan of four—and a new 2.7-kilometer high-speed parallel taxiway designed to optimize aircraft and passenger flow.

In parallel, critical navigation and communication systems are being modernized ahead of an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assessment. Efforts are focused on repairing and upgrading the radar and the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is vital for safe landings during low visibility. The Canadian technology firm Intelcan is contractually responsible for these improvements, with the goal of having both systems fully operational by October or November.

Minister of Transport, Communication, and Tourism Raymond Landveld stated that these investments are essential for Suriname to comply with ICAO standards. Recent progress includes the re-installation of a communication mast that fell in 2023, with radio connections now tested and functioning correctly.