The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has recorded over 27,000 arrivals during the month of May.
According to a statement from the CJIA public relations officer, May 2016 recorded an 80.3 percent passenger traffic when compared to May 2015.
The airport’s Statistics Department data shows that 27,353 passengers arrived last month compared to 15,173 passengers for the same period in 2015 bringing the year to date (Jan-May) figures to 102,110 the statement said.
There has been a 15% increase in passenger arrivals compared to 2015.
Total passenger movement totaled 206,965, breaking all records at the airport.
The large influx is credited to Guyana celebrating its 50th anniversary as an Independent nation on May 26, 2016. A plethora of events were organised leading up to the momentous day.
The Ministry of Tourism had predicted a significant increase in tourist arrivals during the recently concluded jubilee celebrations. Subject Minister; Cathy Hughes had stated that “This is a wonderful opportunity to literally catapult our economy onto the stratosphere,” alluding to the major activities that were planned for the month of May in celebration of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.
Commercial airlines – Caribbean Airlines, Dynamic Airways, COPA, Suriname Airways, Fly Jamaica and Insel Air – also recorded surges in passenger movement for the month.
Ramesh Ghir, the airport’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), disclosed that the airport’s stakeholders partnered with management to guarantee a smooth process through the terminal building.
