Suriname: a private airline opened its own international airport
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Eduard Alexander Gummels International Airport (EAG) received the arrival of its first international commercial flight. The De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter from GUM Air NV landed from Georgetown/Ogle (OGL), Guyana.
The airport and GUM Air director, Dean Gummels, described the inauguration as “the beginning of a new chapter” for aviation in the region. The opening ceremony took place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the airport.
EAG Airport features a 1,230-meter runway and a new passenger terminal. It is located 5 kilometers from Paramaribo, in Kwatta, Suriname. According to Gummels, the limitations of the Zorg en Hoop Airport and the need for expansion were key factors driving the development of this new facility.
The idea of establishing an international airport emerged in 2018. “This airport is a dream come true for many generations. Now, it opens doors to new destinations,” he noted.
The airport began operations on March 20, 2025, with several domestic routes. Georgetown/Ogle (OGL) will be the only international route for now, with twelve weekly flights. Cayenne, French Guiana, will join next week, and connections to Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are also being considered through GUM Air and its expanding fleet.
According to the company, this opening has the potential to boost trade, tourism, and regional cooperation. Additionally, the airport will contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly economic growth (SDG 8), infrastructure development (SDG 9), and strategic partnerships (SDG 17).
President Chan Santokhi highlighted that this achievement reflects what is possible when vision, private entrepreneurship, and national partnerships combine to shape the future of Suriname. He also urged the community to use the airport responsibly, aiming for greater development: “Let’s use the airport wisely and let it take us to new heights.” He also emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration to reach this milestone and stated that this modern facility will strengthen the aviation sector and open new opportunities for cooperation both nationally and internationally.
GUM Air, a private airline with 54 years of experience, belongs to the Gummels family and is the main company for domestic and regional flights in Suriname. Its fleet includes a Beechcraft 1900D, two Cessna 206s, four Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, a Twin Otter DHC-6-300, two Robinson R44s, and it has an order for Cessna SkyCourier, making Suriname the first customer of this model in South America.
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