Lethem Airport

Lethem Airport sits on the edge of Guyana's Rupununi savannah, less than two kilometres from the border town of the same name and a few hundred metres from the Takutu River Bridge that connects to Brazil. The airport handles domestic flights from Georgetown and occasional charters from neighbouring countries, serving as the main air link for a region where road travel is limited and seasonal. With a single asphalt runway and a compact terminal, Lethem Airport is a classic small regional facility — functional, personal, and heavily dependent on the weather.

Getting There

Lethem Airport is located approximately 1.5 kilometres south of Lethem town centre. The main road from the town is a paved thoroughfare running past the airstrip, and the journey by car or taxi takes about five minutes. Taxis are available at the airport upon arrival; fares to town are negotiable but typically around GYD 500–1,000 (about USD 2.50–5.00). Most hotels in Lethem offer airport pickup if arranged in advance. For those driving, parking is free and the car park is small but adequate. The road to the airport is paved and well-maintained, though once you leave town, most routes in the Rupununi are unpaved and can become impassable during the rainy season (May–July and December–January).

Lethem itself is not directly reachable by road from Georgetown except via a multi-day journey. The primary overland route — the trail through the interior — is rough and only suitable for 4x4 vehicles during dry weather. Most travellers fly into Lethem as the first step in exploring the Rupununi. The airport is also the main point of exit for those crossing into Brazil via the Takutu River Bridge, which connects to Bonfim and onward to Boa Vista.

Inside the Terminal

Lethem Airport operates with a single terminal building that handles both arrivals and departures. The building is modest: a check-in area, a waiting room, and a small arrivals section. The confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible toilet, and standard toilets. Baggage storage is available, though it is not automated — passengers should speak with airport staff. The terminal is clean but basic, with limited seating. There is no air conditioning in the general waiting area, so expect warm temperatures. Fans provide some relief. The check-in process is straightforward; flights are typically announced over a loudspeaker. Security screening involves a manual bag check and a walk-through metal detector. There are no shops or restaurants inside the terminal, so bring snacks and water. The busiest times are around midday (Monday–Thursday as listed), corresponding to the Roraima Airways and Trans Guyana Airways flights from Georgetown. These flights are often full, and check-in queues can form. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.

Lethem Airport and Lethem

Lethem Airport is more than just a transit point — it is the primary reason travellers can access one of Guyana's most distinctive regions: the Rupununi. Lethem town itself has a population of about 1,700 and serves as the administrative centre for Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Culturally, the area is home to Amerindian communities, primarily Macushi and Wapishana people, whose traditions remain strong. The town has a frontier feel, influenced by its proximity to Brazil; Portuguese is widely spoken, and Brazilian goods are common in shops.

The main reason people come to Lethem is to explore the Rupununi savannah and the surrounding rainforests, wetlands, and mountains. The region is known for its wildlife, including giant anteaters, capybaras, jaguars, and hundreds of bird species. The nearby Kanuku Mountains are a protected area with rich biodiversity. The annual Rupununi Rodeo, held around Easter, draws visitors from across Guyana and abroad. Other attractions include the village of St. Ignatius, the Iwokrama Forest (a few hours north), and boat trips on the Rupununi River.

For travellers continuing to Brazil, the Takutu River Bridge — opened in 2009 — provides a direct road link. Lethem is a practical stop for those doing the overland route from Georgetown to Boa Vista. The airport also supports medical evacuations and supplies for remote communities, underscoring its critical role in the region.

Practical Information

Lethem Airport (GEO code: LTM) is open only on days when flights are scheduled, which typically means Monday through Thursday. The terminal opens approximately one hour before the first flight and closes after the last arrival. Confirmed operating days correspond to the busiest times listed. There is no 24-hour access. Contact the airport through the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority or check with airlines: Roraima Airways and Trans Guyana Airways. Phone numbers change; search online for current numbers or ask your hotel.

Tips: Bring cash — there is no ATM at the airport. The closest bank (Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry) is in Lethem town. If you have a long wait, the airport waiting area offers basic shelter but little comfort. A short walk to the nearby Takutu River Bridge provides views of the border crossing and a breeze. For departures, confirm your flight status by phone or with your hotel, as schedules can shift due to weather. The most concrete piece of advice: pack a reusable water bottle and a snack, because the airport has no food options, and Lethem's shops may be closed during flight times if you arrive on a Sunday or public holiday.