Lois Larson
Ghana has several airports, including Kotoka International Airport, which is located in Accra, the country's capital. Kotoka International Airport is the largest airport in Ghana, with 27 airlines operating and serving flights to and from 30 destinations. In 2024, the airport served a record of 3.4 million passengers. It is also the base for the Ghana Air Force and its Air Force Base Accra installation, which operates a squadron of Airbus C295 transport aircraft and helicopters.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kotoka International Airport in Accra
Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is located in Accra, Ghana. The airport occupies 1610 acres (651 hectares) and is about 10 kilometres from the city centre. It is easily accessible from any part of the world due to its central location on the Greenwich Meridian and proximity to the Equator.
The airport was originally a military airport used by the British Royal Air Force during World War II in 1946. It was later handed over to civilian authorities, and a development project was launched in 1956 to transform it into a terminal building. Today, Kotoka International Airport is one of the five biggest airports in Ghana, with 27 airlines operating flights to and from 30 destinations. Africa World Airlines is the largest airline in the country, with scheduled passenger traffic and the biggest fleet size of 7 aircraft.
The airport has undergone several improvements and upgrades over the years, including the addition of a Data Centre, a transit lounge, and extra floors to accommodate offices. The existing terminal building has also been refurbished, with new escalators, lifts, washrooms, and a re-roofed terminal building. The new Terminal 3 is now complete and operational, positioning KIA among the best-equipped airports in the region.
There are a variety of nearby attractions, including the Accra Mall, which is the biggest mall in West Africa, located just 2 kilometres from the airport. The Achimota Mall is another popular attraction close to the airport. For travellers, there is a range of accommodation options nearby, including business-friendly hotels and luxury apartments.
Denpasar Airport: Your Gateway to Bali's Tropical Paradise
You may want to see also
Explore related products
27 airlines operate from the airport
Ghana's Kotoka International Airport is located in Accra, the country's capital city. It is one of the five biggest airports in Ghana, serving flights to and from 30 destinations. An impressive 27 airlines operate from this airport, the largest of which is Africa World Airlines. This airline has a fleet of seven aircraft and flies to six domestic and international airports.
Africa World Airlines is the biggest airline in Ghana in terms of scheduled passenger traffic and fleet size. It has six flight destinations. Other major airlines operating from Kotoka International Airport include TAP Air Portugal, which flies to Lisbon, and Kenya Airways, which flies to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The airport has a small currency exchange, a snack bar, and a waiting area with a shop selling local products, books, and other items. There is also a separate building for check-in and gates. The airport is just 2km from the Accra Mall, the largest mall in West Africa.
Kotoka International Airport has received some negative reviews online, with reports of theft and limited food options. However, it remains a hub for travellers, offering connections to various intercontinental destinations, including Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Airports in Portugal: Locations and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport served 3.4 million passengers in 2024
Ghana's primary airport, Kotoka International Airport (KIA), is located in Accra, the country's capital. The airport is operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), which has its offices on the airport grounds.
In 2024, Kotoka International Airport served 3.4 million passengers, marking a significant recovery from the 1.2 million passengers recorded in 2020, a decrease attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport serves as a hub for domestic and regional flights, with 27 airlines operating and serving flights to and from 30 destinations. Africa World Airlines, the largest airline in the country, is based at the airport, along with Passion Air, a domestic operator.
The airport consists of two passenger terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 caters exclusively to domestic flights, while Terminal 3 accommodates regional, international, and long-haul operators. Terminal 1 is currently not in use but is planned to be redeveloped in the future.
The airport has played a crucial role in Ghana's economic growth and trade promotion. The surrounding area, known as Airport City, has witnessed significant development, including retail outlets, hotels, and corporate offices. Additionally, the airport has facilitated the establishment of cargo facilities, such as the Ghana Airport Cargo Center, which opened in 2016, providing a substantial amount of warehouse and office space.
Safety and sanitation protocols at Kotoka International Airport have been a priority, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic flights in Ghana were temporarily suspended in 2020 but quickly resumed under enhanced sanitary measures. International air borders also reopened with specific conditions, including mandatory PCR and rapid antigen testing for arriving passengers. These measures contributed to the airport's ability to serve a record number of passengers in 2024, ensuring the safety and well-being of travellers while promoting the recovery of Ghana's aviation industry.
The Story Behind Logan Airport's Name
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport shares facilities with Air Force Base Accra
Kotoka International Airport (IATA: ACC, ICAO: DGAA) is Ghana's only international airport. It is located in Accra, the capital of Ghana. The airport is operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), which has its offices on the airport property. The airport was originally a military airport used by the British Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, the facility was handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, President Kwame Nkrumah launched a development project to reconfigure the structure into a terminal building, and the project was completed in 1958. The airport was originally named Accra International Airport.
The Ghana Air Force (GHF) was established on 24 July 1959 as a Flying Training School with Israeli instructors and technicians. The school was meant to complement the Ghanaian Army and the Ghanaian Navy, which together with the GHF make up the Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF). Later in 1959, a headquarters was established in Accra under the command of Indian Air Commodore K. Jaswant-Singh, who became the first Chief of Air Staff (CAS). In 1960, Royal Air Force personnel took on the task of training the newly established Ghana Air Force, and in 1961, they were joined by Royal Canadian Air Force personnel.
In 1969, the Accra International Airport was renamed Kotoka International Airport in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a member of the National Liberation Council who was killed in a coup attempt at a location that is now the forecourt of the airport. The airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 2, which serves domestic flights, and Terminal 3, which serves regional, international, and long-haul operators.
The Ghana Air Force is responsible for the coordination and direction of Search and Rescue (SAR) within the Accra Flight Information Region. The GHF has previously operated a variety of aircraft, including the DHC-4 Caribou, Fokker F27 Friendship, and the Westland Wessex.
Exploring Munich Airport and its Surroundings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Accra Mall is 2km away from the airport
The Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, is just 2km away from the Accra Mall, the largest mall in West Africa. This short distance can be easily covered by taxi, bus, or car.
The Accra Mall is conveniently located for travellers passing through the airport, offering a range of shopping and entertainment options. The ground floor boasts global sports brands, high-end jewellery, and clothing boutiques featuring glamorous African-inspired fashions. There is also a small food court with various dining options, including Barcelo's fried chicken and Le Must restaurant.
For those seeking entertainment, the mall houses a Silverbird multiplex cinema, showing the latest blockbusters, Nollywood, and Ghanaian films. This proximity to the airport makes the mall an ideal destination for travellers looking to spend their cedis.
Travellers can easily negotiate taxi fares, which typically cost around 10 cedis (approximately USD 3.00) to travel between the airport and the mall. Alternatively, bus services operated by the AMA Department of Transport provide an affordable option, with a bus from Ridge to Accra Mall running every 30 minutes and taking approximately 12 minutes.
Whether passing through the airport or exploring the vibrant city of Accra, the Accra Mall's proximity to the airport makes it a convenient and attractive destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Runways at Detroit Airport: How Many Take-Off Strips?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ghana's airport, Kotoka International Airport, is in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
27 airlines operate from the airport, serving 30 destinations.
In 2024, Kotoka International Airport served 3.4 million passengers, a significant increase from 2020, where the number was 1.2 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some people have reported theft by baggage handlers at the airport. There have also been protests against the high costs of on-arrival testing for passengers.
Some hotels near the airport include Accra Marriott Hotel, ibis Styles Accra, and Holiday Inn Accra Airport.
