New international airport for Guyana

The Guyana government says Ogle Airport will be upgraded to international standards primarily to accommodate flights from the Caribbean, Venezuela and Brazil, according to a report on www.cananews.net.



The Cheddi Jagan International Airport, situated at Timetiri, north of Georgetown, is the country\'s only international airport.



A Government Information News Agency (GINA) statement quoted President Bharrat Jagdeo as saying that the decision to designate the local aerodrome as an international port of entry was made at the last Cabinet meeting held last week.



Transport and Hydraulics Minister, Robeson Benn, said that the date for the commissioning of the new international airport situated on the east coast of Demerara has not yet been decided.



GINA said that phase two of the Ogle Airport development project began late last year following a meeting between a group of private investors from the Ogle Airport Incorporated and President Jagdeo.



It said that the development of the Ogle Airport entails the extension of the runway from its previous 2,500 feet to a 4,000-5,000 foot runway, the development of a new terminal facility, development of the hard-standing aircraft taxi and parking areas, new and improved drainage, and improved facilities for customs, immigration, air traffic control and health and fire services.



The Ogle Airport has been leased by the government to the Ogle Airport Inc. a consortium of aircraft owners, which is the private company undertaking the development of the airport.