Suriname’s government is moving to convert about USD 2 million a month in support for Surinam Airways into repayable loans rather than non-recoverable subsidies. Finance Minister Adelien Wijnerman outlined the plan in Paramaribo, with the state and the flag carrier set for further talks on how the financing will be structured.
The change would end open-ended budget support for SLM and place the airline’s state funding on a formal debt basis. Local coverage indicated that the ministry wants to book past and ongoing payments as loans where possible, including earlier amounts already transferred. The government is still compiling the full support total and has not disclosed loan terms or a repayment schedule.
The discussion comes against a backdrop of fragile airline finances and limited public reporting from the company. Officials are seeking a clearer picture of SLM’s debt position before finalising the agreement, while the financing shift signals tighter fiscal control around support for the carrier.