NV Luchthavenbeheer wants to extensively develop the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport and the surrounding areas. The plan includes a new terminal, control tower, parking facility and medical centre. A feasibility study must determine when the mega-project can be carried out and how much it will cost.
A delegation from NV Luchthavenbeheer, led by director Vijay Chotkan, presented the plan to President Jennifer Simons on Monday, September 7. During the meeting at the Kabinet van de President, the design, implementation and financing of the project were discussed.
The plan is called the Johan Adolf Pengel International City Development Project. According to Chotkan, it concerns not only the modernisation of the airport, but a broader development that also involves surrounding communities.
“We will involve the community in the development. We are not thinking only in terms of modernising the airport, but certainly also of opportunities such as the employment that will be created,” Chotkan told the Communicatie Dienst Suriname.
New terminal and control tower
The development plan includes the construction of a new terminal, a parking facility, a new control tower and a medical centre. Modernisation of the runway, accommodation for the Meteorologische Dienst and further digitalisation are also on the agenda.
In addition, the road network leading to the airport must be improved. According to Luchthavenbeheer, surrounding communities must also benefit from the planned investments. The local population will therefore be further informed about the plans and the possible benefits.
Focused on oil, gas and tourism
According to Chotkan, modernisation is needed to take the aviation sector to a higher level. The airport must not only be prepared for developments in the oil and gas industry, but also for the expected growth of tourism.
The director acknowledges that the airport is currently not operating at the desired level. According to him, the existing plans were mainly aimed at modernising the airport itself. The new concept also includes development of the immediate surroundings.
President Simons and her advisers asked several questions and offered advice during the presentation. According to Chotkan, the head of state supports the proposed development direction.
Feasibility study to determine costs
A feasibility study must clarify when physical implementation can begin and how much money will be needed. The Nationale Milieu Autoriteit will also be involved in further preparations.
Luchthavenbeheer also wants to hold talks with government services based at the airport, airlines and other stakeholders. According to Chotkan, broad cooperation is necessary because of the scale of the project.
