The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has downgraded the rescue and fire-fighting capacity of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from category eight to category five. Despite this reduction, GCAA Director-General Retired Lt. Col. Egbert Field emphasized that the airport remains safe, particularly when compared to other regional airports. Field declined to disclose specific details about the downgrade, citing confidentiality protocols related to inspections. However, sources revealed that the downgrade was due to operational limitations, including inefficient fire tenders and insufficient personnel. According to GCAA standards, category five requires 8,100 liters of water to assist Level A foam, which is used to extinguish hydrocarbon fires in a 2.8 square meter area. Previously, the airport’s category eight rating allowed for 27,300 liters of water. Fire Chief Gregory Wickham confirmed that remedial measures have been implemented, including deploying additional firefighters and addressing mechanical issues with firefighting equipment. Wickham stated that the GCAA and CJIA are now responsible for conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance.
GCAA downgrades Cheddi Jagan Airport’s rescue and fire-fighting capacity but airport remains safe
