Latest update April 28th, 2026 12:30 AM
BK announces reduction of airfares to Aishalton
…as $920M airstrip commissioned
(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali in commissioning the new $920 million airstrip at Aishalton, Region Nine on Thursday announced that local flight operator Jags Aviation said it will reduce its airfares to the Amerindian community, come February 1, 2026.
The President also informed that Jags Aviation has agreed to lower its fares to travel to Paramakatoi Village in Region Eight. The reduction in fares comes after the President made a call on Monday while commissioning the Paramakatoi airstrip, for local flight operators to lower their prices to travel to the hinterland communities. He had said that operators raised the conditions of airstrips and the maintenance to aircraft for the increase in fares.
President Irfaan Ali and members of the Cabinet joining residents of Aishalton in commissioning their new $920 million airstrip.
“I know I asked the Director General to convene a meeting with the local operators (and) with the minister to discuss this issue with the price and fares and I am telling you, the people must benefit from lower cost. You are not doing them a favour you have a responsibility,” he said on Thursday.
Following the President’s announcement, BK Group of Companies which owns Jags Aviation in a statement said its supports the president’s idea for lower local airfares.
Mr. Brian Tiwari, Executive Chairman of BK Group of Companies in the statement said, “The lowering of airfares to the interior was long overdue, and that President Dr. Ali’s pragmatism, and skillful urban planner coupled with the “One Guyana” notion has inspired the nation and restored hope and confidence in the business community and the citizenry.” “Jags Aviation has already reduced the cost for flights to the interior and has asked the Managing Director of Jags Aviation, Ms. Gail Tiwari, its Manager Colonel Miguel Benjamin and Chief Pilot Mr. Carl Rodney to find ways to further lower the cost of fares to the interior,” the statement noted.
President Ali, speaking about the new 2,500ft concrete rigid pavement airstrip, said “It will improve access to healthcare, it will improve and reduce cost of living, it will improve market access and opportunities and create better connectivity. It is an important plan in the transformation of your community, it has major economic benefit in the diversification of your economy and tourism now has a real opportunity in Aishalton.”
During his address, the head of state informed residents that works are underway of constructing a terminal building at the airstrip.
“I am pleased to announced today that to my right and left the artist impression of a building. You might be wondering what building is this; I am pleased to tell you that this is a building that will be constructed here so you will have a proper terminal to welcome your visitors, immigrations services, police services. So you see already this one investment is stimulating maybe another $50 million of investment in this building so that an important plan for your tourism product is satisfied,” he told residents.
Speaking on the development of airstrips, the President also disclosed that shortly Expressions of Interest will be issued for the construction of a modern airport at Lethem, as well as 35 additional airstrips for the hinterland.
Also noting the improved access and connectivity this airstrip will bring residents, were Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar. Notably, Minister Edghill mentioned that the runway is painted to international standard and equipped with 40 lights for flights landing or leaving in the nights from the community.
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