Latest update May 25th, 2026 12:35 AM
$800M Matthew’s Ridge Airstrip flight capacity likened to Ogle Airport – Edghill
(Kaieteur News) – Upon completion of works, the new $800 million Matthew’s Ridge Airstrip in Region One will be capable of handling capacity equivalent to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle.
This is according to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill who visited and inspected the project on Friday alongside Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek and the technical team.
According to the ministry, the upgraded airstrip will measure 4,000 feet in length and 80 feet in width, while featuring a reinforced eight-inch-thick pavement. This upgrade will elevate the facility to a Tier 1 aviation hub.
“Everything that can land at Ogle—including Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, and the flights servicing Suriname—will be able to land here and take off when we are finished,” Minister Edghill stated.
Works ongoing on the new Matthew’s Ridge in Region One.
He also mentioned that the new aircraft acquired by the Guyana Defence Force can land there.
Kaieteur News understands that the project is currently being executed by over 60 residents from the village.
During a technical debrief, Minister Edghill addressed challenges regarding inclement weather and staff absenteeism. He issued a stern charge to the workforce, emphasising that while the government prioritises local employment, efficiency remains paramount.
“I’m hoping that the instances of absenteeism are a thing of the past. I am making it very clear: if we have a repeat of that, I am authorising the Special Projects Unit to bring workers from other parts of Region 1 as a last resort,” Minister Edghill informed workers.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works said that the Matthew’s Ridge Airstrip serves as a vital transportation hub for the manganese mining community and surrounding villages.
The ministry said that the new runway is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support economic expansion, and drastically improve access to essential services for residents.
Several airstrips in the hinterland regions are being upgraded to climate-resilient structures by the government.
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