A new airstrip has officially opened in Mahaica, signalling a significant investment in the region’s agricultural expansion and tourism development. The facility is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transport times, and open new opportunities for farmers, agro-processors, tour operators, and local communities (Government of Guyana, Ministry of Public Works, 2025).
Strategically located in one of Guyana’s most productive farming belts, the airstrip offers a vital link between coastal and interior regions. Previously, transporting fresh produce to urban markets or shipping agricultural inputs to remote farms depended heavily on road networks that were often affected by flooding or long travel times. The new airstrip aims to mitigate these challenges by providing faster, more reliable air transport. This is especially important for perishable goods, helping farmers maintain quality and reduce spoilage (Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, 2025).
Beyond agriculture, the facility is positioned to support the tourism sector. Mahaica, with its rivers, birdwatching trails, and rural experiences, has seen growing interest from both domestic and international visitors. The airstrip will facilitate easier access for tour operators and visitors, enabling them to design packages that include flights into the region. Stakeholders anticipate that this improved connectivity will stimulate investment in eco-lodges, heritage tours, and community-based tourism ventures, creating employment and diversifying incomes (Guyana Tourism Authority, 2025).
The construction of the airstrip involved coordinated efforts between government agencies, local contractors, and aviation authorities. Designed to accommodate small and medium aircraft, the facility includes a paved runway, apron, perimeter fencing, and a modest terminal area. Safety features and operational guidelines have been established to meet civil aviation standards, with provisions for future upgrades if traffic increases (Ministry of Public Works, 2025).
Farmers in the area have expressed cautious optimism, noting that better transport links could reduce their costs and expand markets. Exporters of fruits, vegetables, and livestock products see potential to use the airstrip as part of cold chain logistics, supporting plans to reach Caribbean and international markets (Guyana Agriculture Producers Association, 2025).
Local businesses also expect benefits as new transport services generate demand for fuel, maintenance, hospitality, and retail. Community leaders have highlighted the importance of ensuring that development is inclusive, calling for training programs to help residents seize new employment opportunities in aviation services, tourism guiding, and agribusiness (Guyana Local Government Reports, 2025).
With its focus on supporting the productive and service sectors, the Mahaica airstrip is being promoted as part of a broader strategy to modernise infrastructure, reduce rural isolation, and position Guyana’s regions for sustainable growth. By improving access, it aims to unlock economic potential while strengthening the resilience of farming and tourism-dependent communities (Government of Guyana, 2025).
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New Airstrip Opens in Mahaica to Boost Agriculture and Tourism
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