(Kaieteur News) – Owners who allow animals onto aerodrome runways could face prosecution, a $1 million fine and up to six months in prison, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) warned on Friday.
The warning comes amid what the Authority described as an increasing frequency of animals crossing aerodrome runways across the country, raising concerns about the safety of passengers, flight crews and aircraft.
In a statement, the GCAA said the deliberate or negligent release of animals onto runways poses a “direct and unacceptable threat” to aviation operations and will not be tolerated.
The Authority said such incidents constitute offences under the Civil Aviation Act 2018, with Section 83(1) specifically providing that a person who trespasses on land forming part of an aerodrome, or causes an animal to trespass on such land, commits an offence.
On summary conviction, the offender is liable to a $1 million fine and six months’ imprisonment.
The GCAA said it will work with law enforcement to identify and prosecute persons responsible for compromising aviation safety.
“The safety and security of the aviation sector remain paramount,” the Authority said, adding that it will pursue “rigorous enforcement and decisive action” against offenders.
The GCAA is also urging members of the public to report suspicious activity or threats to aerodrome operations to the relevant authorities or anonymously via its hotline at 608-4222.
“See something, say something, do something,” the Authority urged.
Last week a black dog running onto the Mabaruma runway during the landing of a Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) aircraft forced the pilot to take evasive action, sending the aircraft off the runway and triggering renewed concerns about safety at Guyana’s hinterland aerodromes.
The Cessna Caravan, registered 8R-GCC, was landing with 12 passengers aboard when, according to TGA, the pilot spotted an animal entering the aircraft’s path during the landing roll. The pilot reportedly applied the brakes aggressively, after which the aircraft skidded off the runway and came to rest sideways.
No injuries were reported, although the passengers were taken for medical assessment. The aircraft, however, sustained significant damage and was rendered inoperable, according to TGA.
The incident had also prompted TGA to renew its call for urgent action to address what it described as the recurring problem of animals and even people—gaining access to government-owned and operated hinterland airports. In a statement, the airline said the incident represents a “considerable concern” because such incursions pose a continuing threat to commercial and private aircraft using the aerodromes.
TGA said it had already raised the issue with the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), including in correspondence dated September 9 and June 16, 2026.
The airline called for the matter to be urgently addressed, particularly as several hinterland airports are undergoing significant expansion and development. TGA said it remains available to work with the GCAA, other licensed aircraft operators and the Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana (AOAG) to find a solution.
Source: Kaieteur News
