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Govt. seeking bids to rehabilitate Viewing Gallery at CJIA
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation is seeking bids for the rehabilitation of the Viewing Gallery at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.
According to an invitation for bids published in this newspaper Wednesday edition, the ministry also plans to rehabilitate the presidential lounge at the airport.
In addition to that, the ministry is seeking the “Lot 1: Supply and installation of 1000A parallel supply in the DGR power to the new HVAC system in the Commercial Building, Lot2 Power to the Ground Floor Concession in the Existing Commercial Building.”
Bids for these projects are expected to open on April 2, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
This publication understands that the gallery was traditionally an area at the airport where family and friends of travelers would sit and wait to view them boarding the planes.
CJIA currently does not have a viewing gallery and this has been the case since the expansion project began a few years ago.
It was reported that the contract for the airport expansion project was signed in 2011, under President Bharrat Jagdeo’s tenure, with China Harbour and Engineering Corporation (CHEC).
The Jagdeo-led administration acquired a US$138 million loan from the China Exim Bank, and used US$12 million from the Consolidated Fund (taxpayers’ money) for the total project cost of US$150 million. Jagdeo said that the US$150 million contract was signed with CHEC for a new airport. However, he said it was the coalition government that made changes which resulted in it being a rehabilitation project.
According to reports, upon assuming office in 2015, the David Granger administration deemed the airport plan defective, necessitating adjustments.
Subsequently, in August 2020, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s work.
Consequently, negotiations resulted in additional works being undertaken by CHEC at no extra cost to Guyana. These enhancements included a superstructure, corridor, and curtain wall.
While the US$150 million rehabilitation works by CHEC is complete, the PPP-administration has substantially increased spending for the modernisation of the airport, albeit falling below international standards and expectations.
Part of the additional work by the PPP government included the construction of a new commercial centre, VIP lounge, upgraded tarmac or aircraft parking areas, administrative office, and an improved baggage handling facility.
In addition, last year, government turned the sod for the construction of a second arrival terminal at the airport. Terminal 2 will feature business lounges, expanded concessions, and facilities to handle the increasing global demand.
Regarding the upgrades at the airport which also include runway expansion and modernised bridges, Minister Edghill noted they were all strategic steps preparing Guyana to become a major aviation hub.
This newspaper understands that the government in 2026 budgeted $3.6 billion towards the CJIA to facilitate several projects.
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Viewing Gallery, for family to sit, wait seeing others board the plane ?
Even during flight delays ?
Government can make better use of that SPACE. VIEWING IS NOT ONE OF
THEM. I guess CJIA is designed differently. They will never achieve HUB STATUS- that they talk so much about.
THAT IS NOT A NECCESSITY, GOVT. OF GUYANA/ AIRPORT MANAGERS.
Airports are for passengers transiting IN/OUT of the country.
Encouraging crowds to hang around, say goodbye to a plane is preposterous.
Most airports, once passengers checked in, they head for the boarding gate.
It’s impossible to see them, wave, hug, kiss goodbye.
I did that a few times from the old ATKINSON AIRPORT. Then head back to
Berbice, the Ferry and home in upper Skeldonm.