Efforts are intensifying to restore direct air links between Guyana and Brazil, a move that could significantly enhance trade, investment and regional connectivity between the South American neighbours.
Travellers currently transit through hubs such as Miami, Panama or Colombia when flying between the two countries, resulting in longer journey times and higher travel costs.
The issue was highlighted during a live broadcast on Wednesday on LITE FM radio at the World Trade Centre Georgetown, where Brazil’s Counsellor José Renato provided an update on discussions surrounding the possible resumption of direct services.
“Last week we had a very important visit from Mr Brian Tiwari from Jags Aviation. So this company is envisaging the possibility of, in a short time, to have this flight connection. Guyana, Georgetown is the only capital in South America that doesn’t have a flight connection with Brazil. It’s very serious and we attribute this with very high level opportunity,” he said.
Renato said stakeholders are exploring the establishment of a Georgetown–Boa Vista route, with aviation authorities in both countries working on operational and cargo-handling arrangements, particularly in Boa Vista.
“We are discussing it right now. The most important thing is that we already have the agreement in terms…the Open Skies agreement, which authorises companies from each country to fly to the other country. The agreement is on, it’s valid. So now it’s a matter of arranging the logistics,” he said.
The absence of direct flights has long been seen as a constraint on bilateral trade and investment, despite the existing Partial Scope Trade Agreement between the two countries.
Business stakeholders, including World Trade Centres in Brazil, have also raised concerns that limited air connectivity continues to restrict commercial opportunities.
The World Trade Centre Georgetown has been leading advocacy for the restoration of direct flights, arguing that improved air links would support tourism, commerce, cultural exchange and broader regional integration.
