United Airlines launches historic nonstop route between Houston and Georgetown, Guyana

The inaugural flight marks a milestone in bilateral relations and supports potential for economic boost and tourism opportunities.

April 3, 2024

The Houston Airport System exists to connect the people, cultures, businesses and economies of the world to this incredible city of Houston. With a new air service to Georgetown, Guyana, Houston’s airports now provide non-stop service to 190 destinations worldwide. On Monday, April 1, the inaugural United Airlines flight from Houston to Georgetown officially strengthened Houston’s power position as a primary gateway to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The new route between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) marks the first non-stop service between these destinations. Flights operate four times a week using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which is equipped with premium, economy plus and economy seating options. The aircraft features United’s NEXT interior with larger overhead bins, seatback entertainment in every seat and the industry’s fastest available Wi-Fi. The inaugural flight was piloted by Guyanese pilot Ravishankar Rameshar.

Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak was among the City of Houston representatives present to welcome the first passengers departing Houston for Georgetown. 

Introducing this flight is expected to have several positive impacts on tourism, business and the economy. “Simply put, it’s a win-win for our economies, cultures, and close people-to-people ties,” said U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot.

“We are excited to connect Houston, as well as the broader United network, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” said Patrick Quayle, United Airlines Senior Vice President of Global Network and Alliances. “This new route will offer our customers convenient access to the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Guyana and United is proud to remain the top airline to Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston, offering service to 52 unique destinations in the region – more than all other carriers combined.”

United now has the largest and most diversified international route network among U.S. airlines, offering non-stop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries. United offers flights to more destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific than all U.S. carriers combined. It continues to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, growing its summer schedule by over 10% throughout the region.

In Houston, United Airlines is expanding its services, aiming to operate more than 850 daily flights across over 150 routes from February to June 2024. Among these routes, there are over 100 domestic flights and around 30 international ones. Some upcoming destinations include Ontario (CA), Boise and Hartford.

Upon arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the inaugural flight was welcomed with a water salute, symbolizing the importance of this new connection between Houston and Georgetown.

RELATED | United Airlines Announces New Direct Service to Georgetown, GuyanaANAYUG