Latest update March 17th, 2026 2:12 PM
CJIA’s food court, lounge to be rehabilitated
(Kaieteur News) – The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation will spend a portion of its $3.6 billion budgetary allocation to rehabilitate its lounge area and food court.
According to an invitation for bids, the project is expected to open on April 2, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office.
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Tender documents for the project will be available at CJIA’s Timehri office from March 18.
According to the budget estimates document, the government in 2026 budgeted $3,655,586,000 towards the CJIA and this for the terminal project and upgrading of facilities.
It was reported in the media that the country’s main airport in Timehri is undergoing extensive upgrades by the government to meet international standards. Recently, the CJIA had issued another tender for the rehabilitation of the viewing gallery and presidential lounge.
As previously reported, 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.
The airport upgrades, which also include runway expansion and modernised bridges, are all strategic steps to prepare Guyana to become a major aviation hub, Minister Edghill stated.
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