Press Release: Guyana and Panama deepen bilateral relations with landmark Air Services Agreement
In a significant step to enhance air connectivity and strengthen ties between the two nations, Guyana and Panama signed an Air Services Agreement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The signing took place on the sidelines of the joint International Civil Aviation Organisation and European Union Aviation Safety Agency Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations and Regional Accidents and Incidents Investigations Organisations Forum for Aviation Safety on September 30, 2026.
The Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Hon. Deodat Indar, signed on behalf of Guyana, while Cap. Rafael Bárcenas Chiari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama, signed on behalf of Panama.
The Air Services Agreement was initially negotiated and signed at the technical level during the 2025 ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This agreement is designed to foster greater collaboration in the aviation sector, expand air travel options, and promote increased trade between Guyana and Panama.
Key provisions include Grant of Rights, Designations and Authorisations, Application of Laws, Recognition of Certificates, Code Sharing, Tariffs, Safety, Aviation Security, and User Charges. This robust regulatory framework ensures the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and cooperation in air services between the two countries.
Under the new agreement, airlines are granted up to sixth freedom traffic rights for passenger movement and up to seventh freedom rights for cargo operations. These expanded rights will provide airlines with greater flexibility, open new market opportunities, and deliver significant benefits to both passengers and cargo operators.
COPA Airlines, which has operated daily flights between Guyana and Panama since 2014, will now benefit from a formalised legal framework that replaces the previous reciprocity-based system. The agreement is expected to further strengthen commercial and economic relations, broaden travel options for passengers, and stimulate growth in trade and tourism between the two nations.
Mr Alejandro Salas, Air Transport Director, Civil Aviation Authority, Panama, Ms Thandi McAllister, Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Saheed Sulaman, Deputy Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, and Mr Alfonso De Armas, Director General of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, witnessed the signing.
Guyana and Panama established diplomatic relations on March 16, 1973.
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