Guyana is becoming more important for international air travel with a new link to a major city in Europe.
On June 4, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will start flying twice a week between Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Georgetown (Guyana), with a stop in St Maarten. This adds to other new airline connections the country has made recently.
At the launch event, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said this new service is part of a bigger plan to use air travel to grow the economy. Speaking at Cara Lodge Hotel, he said KLM is more than just an airline—it’s a partner. He promised the government would help make KLM’s new route successful.
The flights will help more than just tourists. They are expected to boost trade, cargo services, and economic links between regions. The president hopes Guyana can become a key hub for KLM flights to South America and even West Africa.
Ali offered support, including incentives and promotion, to make sure the route succeeds. He said KLM’s arrival shows confidence in Guyana’s economy, stability, and future plans. It fits into a long-term plan the government has been working on for five years.
Aviation already adds about US$116 million to Guyana’s economy and gives jobs to around 5,200 people. Each year, over 13,000 tonnes of cargo move through the country. In just four years, passenger numbers jumped from 182,000 to over 857,000, and seat capacity nearly quadrupled.
Guyana now has 11 airlines flying to 16 international places, compared to only six destinations a few years ago. The country hopes to serve 3 million passengers a year by 2030.
To reach this goal, Guyana is using its good location, improved airports, and new digital tools like e-passports and online immigration services. It’s also planning to train more people for aviation jobs like pilots and airport managers.
Dirk Buitelaar from Air France KLM said this new route connects Europe and South America, as well as the cultures and people of the Netherlands and Guyana. Government minister Deodat Indar and the Dutch Ambassador, Walter Oostelbos, also spoke at the event.
There may also be some new advantages for other islands close to St. Maarten.
Passengers from nearby islands like Anguilla, St. Kitts, St. Barths, Saba, St. Eustatius, and others can take regional flights or ferries to Sint Maarten and then board the KLM flight to Amsterdam.
One-stop Europe access: Instead of routing through larger hubs like Miami or Panama, travelers now have a direct transatlantic option via a regional hub.
More cargo and trade routes: It’s not just about passengers. This new route can help with cargo logistics for goods moving between Europe and smaller Caribbean markets through Sint Maarten.
Source: Guyana PIS.
