Adverse weather conditions continue to pose tremendous discomfort for travellers and it is a startling reminder of why the airport expansion project, especially a new terminal building, is vital.
Public Works and Transport Minister Robeson Benn made this disclosure during a recent stakeholders meeting at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
“Passengers on Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) 0605, TravelSpan and Surinam Airways were wet and uncomfortable, and another CAL aircraft had to return to Trinidad since it could not land,” he told the group that comprised of airline officials, cargo operators, customs and immigration officers.
A longer runway would have allowed for larger planes to land, likewise the passenger boarding bridges would have alleviated such discomfort experienced by the wet passengers, the minister pointed out.
Funding
However, the future of the project is in free fall because of the opposition’s refusal to approve funding. In 2011, the government of Guyana inked a US$150 million contract with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the transformational venture.
In light of this, an appeal was made to stakeholders to “have their voices be heard on why the airport expansion is important for them”.
And if the project does not go forward, there will be heavy liabilities, said CJIA Board Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo. US$20.7 million was approved by Parliament in 2012 as mobilisation advance. “… discontinuing the project will not only affect passengers and the economy, but also the taxpayers as the government of Guyana will have to pay compensation to the contractor for reneging on the agreement,” he pointed out.
In addition, head of customs at the facility, Stanley Phillips, pointed to the long wait passengers experience in the baggage area.
However, it was pointed out that due to the small, confined area and the burgeoning passenger arrival – it is virtually impossible to load luggage in a timely fashion.
According to Dookhoo, the long waiting period of collecting luggage has been a thorny issue – one that he has experienced himself firsthand.
“I have received a copious amount of complaints of persons having to wait 30 minutes or more to collect luggage, their second piece. It is unacceptable. Our passengers should not have to endure that,” he added.
New airlines
CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir told stakeholders that the airport is currently in talks with a number of new airlines. In fact, he is optimistic that during the first quarter of 2014 – a new airline will announce its intention to ply the Guyana route.
Over the past three months, CONVIASA, Fly Jamaica and TravelSpan commenced operations in Guyana, and according to Dookhoo, travellers have more choices and destinations to choose from.
“I have recognised a shift of the interest of people from traditional North American route and the board is very excited about this,” he added.
TravelSpan officials were also encouraged to exploit not only the Christmas season, but other scheduled flights as well.
Another burning issue for some airlines’ executives was the cost of fuel. However, Dookhoo assured them the government of Guyana will soon set up a state owned fuel farm that would reduce fuel cost significantly – making it more competitive and attractive to airlines.
Security
“I know this is a constant battle, but I am encouraging stakeholders to be vigilant and to report all security matters to the [airport’s] CEO,” Dookhoo appealed to the group.
His sentiments were echoed by Minister Robeson Benn, who acknowledged that “we have to be more responsive, intuitive to the issue of drugs passing through the airport. We have seen over the years that those perpetrating these acts have become very innovative and are using the most inconceivable method to try move drugs through our main ports of entry.”
