Guyana Hosts Global Aviation Safety Forum with Delegates from Nearly 60 Countries

Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority has signed an MoU with Uganda’s regulator to share expertise on aviation safety, aircraft certification, licensing, training and airworthiness. The deal is meant to strengthen oversight and operational standards in both countries, as Guyana expands international aviation cooperation.

Regional aviation leaders meeting in Georgetown said Caribbean states must work together to strengthen safety oversight, share expertise and address staff shortages as air travel demand grows. Prime Minister Mark Phillips, CARICOM and aviation minister Deodat Indar stressed that reliable air links are vital for tourism, trade, healthcare and regional integration, and backed a CASSOS roadmap to 2035.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips urged Caribbean states to deepen cooperation and invest more in aviation oversight, saying rising air traffic is straining regulators and specialist staffing. Speaking at a regional aviation safety symposium in Guyana, he said stronger institutions, training and shared expertise are needed to keep flights safe as tourism and travel grow.

Guyana renewed its Air Services Agreement with France and signed a new air services pact with Panama, expanding the legal framework for international flights and aviation cooperation. The deals update traffic rights, safety, commercial rules and airline access, with officials saying they could support trade, tourism and new routes, even though there are still no direct Guyana-France flights.

Guyana and Greece signed an Air Service Agreement in Georgetown to expand air transport cooperation and open the door to future flight links. The deal comes as Guyana’s aviation sector grows and could improve travel, business, tourism and connectivity between Guyana and Europe.

President Irfaan Ali has ordered the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority to review the country’s aviation laws and regulations to close gaps and align with top international standards as traffic rises. He said passenger traffic has jumped 410 per cent and called for stronger oversight, consistent regional airport security, and Caribbean cooperation on safety audits.

Guyana and the Dominican Republic have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on cutting aviation emissions and expanding sustainable aviation fuels. The agreement supports ICAO’s CORSIA scheme and the global net-zero target for 2050, with cooperation on technical training, climate finance, and emissions units that avoid double counting.

Guyana and Greece signed an Air Services Agreement in Georgetown, clearing the way for airlines to operate between the two countries even though there are no direct flights now. Signed by Minister Deodat Indar and Greek Ambassador Theodore Tsakiris, the deal is expected to support trade, travel and wider economic ties.

Guyana signed an Air Services Agreement with Greece and a separate aviation sustainability MOU with the Dominican Republic at a major ICAO/EASA safety forum in Georgetown. The Greece deal could open new air links, trade and investment, while the Dominican Republic pact focuses on cutting aviation emissions, using sustainable fuels and supporting net-zero goals by 2050.

President Irfaan Ali has ordered a review of Guyana’s aviation laws and regulations to close gaps and raise safety standards as the sector expands. Speaking in Georgetown, he said stronger oversight, trained inspectors and international partnerships are needed to prevent complacency and support Guyana’s growing role in regional and global air transport.

President Irfaan Ali said Guyana is seeking international partners to operate Terminal Two at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and to help build the country into a global aviation training hub. He pointed to rapid growth in passenger traffic, flights and freight, saying the airport is already expanding and the new terminal could open in 2028. The plan is meant to boost capacity, safety and regional aviation skills.

President Irfaan Ali told a major aviation safety forum in Georgetown that ICAO must urgently address gaps in airport standards and create a shared strategy for artificial intelligence in aviation safety. He said uneven rules for transit passengers and weak audit scores at some Caribbean airports undermine confidence and regional connectivity.

Guyana will host nearly 60 countries in Georgetown for the ICAO/EASA Global RSOO and RAIO Forum, the first event of its kind in the country. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali will open the two-day meeting, which will focus on regional cooperation to improve aviation safety oversight and accident investigations as Guyana’s air sector expands rapidly.

Guyana is hosting nearly 60 countries in Georgetown for a two-day ICAO/EASA aviation safety forum, the first global event of its kind in the country. The meetings will focus on regional cooperation, shared oversight and accident investigation, as Guyana’s aviation sector grows rapidly and needs stronger safety and regulatory capacity.