About Us

 

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation was established on the 5th October 2001 by an amendment to the Public Corporations Act (1988) with the mandate to administer, operate, maintain and develop the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. It is responsible for all non-regulatory functions of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Mission Statement of the CJIA Corporation

“To manage and develop the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to ensure safety of use, efficiency of operation, quality of service, and financial self-sufficiency, with the objective of meeting all required International Standards for facilities and services.”

Brief History of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

The first airport facilities at the location were established in 1941 and named the Atkinson Aerodrome; after Maj. Eric Atkinson, the first commandant of the air base. In 1945 the airport was made a commercial one. In 1965 and 1968 additions were made to the airport facilities and on the 1st May 1969 the Atkinson Aerodrome was renamed the Timehri International Airport. Timehri is a Carib word for rock motifs located deep in the Guyana hinterland and pre-dating the arrival of Europeans in the New World. The legal regulations for the airport were established under Chapter 52:01 of the Laws of Guyana.

In March 1997, following the passing of H.E. President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, H.E. President Samuel Hinds decided to rename the airport the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The proposition to rename the airport was tabled in the Parliament (National Assembly) by the Honourable Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Vibert De Souza who noted that it would be a fitting tribute to a man who had spent his life committed to the betterment of Amerindian people and fighting for the freedom and unity of all Guyanese. A plaque bearing the new name was unveiled on May 21st 1997 by the then Prime Minister, Janet Jagan.