Guyana Government Questions Caribbean Airlines’ Exorbitant Airfares

The government of Guyana is questioning the “exorbitant” airfares charged by regional carrier Caribbean Airlines for flights out of Guyana as against other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

Government’s spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon told reporters on Wednesday that government would be seeking an explanation from the executive of the airline on the “unfavorable” fare structure as it relates to Guyana.

The average for a return flight from Guyana to Trinidad is about $280, while it costs about $400 from the twin island republic to New York with the same carrier. Now Guyana’s government is expressing concern about this unfavorable fare structure and says it wants an explanation from the airline authorities.

Dr Luncheon said that the Prime Minister, who has oversight responsibilities for the transport sector, would be engaging the local executives of Caribbean Airlines on the matter

“It was pointed out at cabinet, that Caribbean Airlines would have grave difficulties in explaining how the cost of an airfare from Trinidad to JFK (John F Kennedy Airport) in New York would compare so unfavorably with the airfare from Georgetown to New York or even from Georgetown to Trinidad by the very same Caribbean airlines carrier,” Luncheon stated .

When asked whether other airlines flying out of Guyana that may be using the Caribbean Airlines fare structure as a model will also be summoned for explanation, the cabinet secretary explained that government is keeping all carriers flying from Georgetown on its radar.

“Wherever there is evidence of the unfair treatment of Guyana in the fare structure, the Prime Minister, the Minister responsible for transport and hydraulics will be meeting, I think the first of these engagements will be with Caribbean Airlines,” Luncheon said.