Roberta Aguirre
Prempeh I International Airport, formerly known as Kumasi Airport, is located 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Kumasi, the capital of Ghana's Ashanti Region. The airport was initially a military air force base for the British Royal Air Force during World War II and was converted into a domestic airport in 1999. In 2014, it attained international status, and after extensive renovations, it now serves as the second busiest airport in Ghana, handling over 400,000 passengers annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Prempeh I International Airport |
| Previous Name | Kumasi Airport |
| Location | 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Kumasi |
| Year of Completion | 1943 |
| Year of Conversion to Domestic Airport | 1999 |
| Year of Attaining International Status | 2014 |
| Number of Passenger Movements in 2023 | Over 400,000 |
| Serving Airlines | Africa World Airlines (AWA), Passion Air |
| Ongoing Projects | Phase 2: Construction of a new terminal building, two boarding bridges, a road network, perimeter fence, a power substation, and a car parking lot; Phase 3: Extension of the existing runway, construction of a new taxi link, apron parking stands, an air traffic control building, and a fire station |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is 6km from Kumasi
The Prempeh I International Airport is located 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Kumasi, the capital of Ghana's Ashanti Region. The airport serves Kumasi and other regions in the middle belt of Ghana, as well as the northern part of the country. It is one of the busiest airports in Ghana, handling over 400,000 passengers in 2023.
The airport has undergone several name changes and renovations over the years. It was originally a military air force base for the British Royal Air Force during World War II. In 1958 and 1959, the Government of Ghana made extensive developments to the airport, including improvements to the runway and navigational facilities. The airport was then converted into a domestic airport in 1999, and it underwent further renovations in 2008.
In 2013, the Government of Ghana began a phased development project to upgrade the airport to international standards, with Phase 1 completed in December 2014. This included rehabilitating the runway and installing airfield lights to facilitate night operations. The airport was declared an international airport for regional operations in 2003 and attained full international status in 2014. However, work to upgrade the physical structures was still ongoing.
Phase 2 of the expansion project, which began in 2018, included the construction of a new terminal building, additional parking areas, and other facilities to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The cost of this phase was estimated at €65 million. The airport closed for six years of renovations and reopened in May 2024, with a new name: Nana Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport. It now has the capacity to accommodate over 800,000 passengers annually.
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It was a British military base
Kumasi, a city in southern Ghana, is home to the Kumasi Airport, which was once a significant British military base during World War II. The airport, located in the heart of the city, played a crucial role in the Allied war effort.
The history of the Kumasi Airport as a British military base dates back to the early years of World War II. In 1941, the British Royal Air Force selected Kumasi as a strategic location for a military airfield. The city's proximity to the Volta River and its surrounding flat terrain made it an ideal site for an airport that could support military operations in West Africa.
Construction of the airfield began in late 1941, and by early 1942, it was operational. The base was home to a variety of British aircraft, including bombers and fighter planes. One of its primary roles was to provide support for the Allied campaign in North Africa, with planes taking off from Kumasi to carry out missions across the continent. The base also played a crucial role in the Battle of Atlantic, with planes from Kumasi conducting anti-submarine patrols along the West African coast to protect Allied shipping lanes from German U-boats.
In addition to its military functions, the British military base in Kumasi also had a significant impact on the local community. The construction and operation of the airfield provided employment opportunities for many locals, and the presence of British soldiers and personnel led to cultural exchanges and the development of new social dynamics in the city. Some local residents worked directly for the military, while others provided goods and services to the base, contributing to the economic development of the region.
The British military presence in Kumasi also left a lasting impact on the infrastructure and development of the city. The airfield, which later became the Kumasi Airport, was one of the first in the region, and its construction involved significant engineering efforts. The British also built roads, bridges, and other facilities to support their military operations, improving the overall infrastructure in the area.
After World War II, the military base in Kumasi was disbanded, and the airfield was converted for civilian use, becoming the Kumasi Airport. Today, the airport serves domestic flights within Ghana and continues to be an important transportation hub for the city and the surrounding region. The history of the airport as a British military base remains a significant part of Kumasi's past, reflecting the city's role in global conflicts and its contributions to Allied victories during World War II.
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$19.9
It attained international status in 2014
Prempeh I International Airport is located 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Kumasi, Ghana, and serves the Ashanti Region and other regions in the middle belt of Ghana, as well as the northern part of the country.
The airport attained international status in 2014, although it only operated on a regional level at that time. The airport had the full complement of security, customs, and immigration staff in place since 2003, but work to upgrade the physical structures was still ongoing.
In 2012, initial renovation works were started on the existing facilities, including patching and filling cracks on the main runway, constructing additional waiting rooms, and building a car park. These renovations paved the way for future upgrades, which began in 2013 with the Government of Ghana's phased development plan to bring the airport up to international standards.
Phase 1 of the development plan was completed by the end of 2014 and included the rehabilitation of the runway and installation of airfield lights and aeronautical ground lights to facilitate night operations. This phase was commissioned in December 2014, with a historic first night landing by the then President John Dramani Mahama.
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The airport has undergone several renovations
The Kumasi Airport is located in Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It is situated about 2.5 kilometres from the central business district of Kumasi. The airport has played a significant role in the region's growth and development, providing essential connectivity for passengers and cargo transportation.
Renovations and Upgrades:
Another important aspect of the renovation was the upgrade of the terminal building. This included expanding and modernizing the departure and arrival halls, improving passenger comfort and convenience. New check-in counters, baggage handling systems, and security equipment were installed, streamlining the check-in and boarding processes. The renovation also incorporated the installation of modern navigation and communication equipment, enhancing the airport's operational efficiency and safety standards.
More recently, in 2020, the airport underwent further improvements, including the installation of new runway lights and the upgrade of the Instrument Landing System (ILS). These enhancements improved the airport's capacity to facilitate night operations and low-visibility landings, increasing the overall accessibility and safety of the airport.
The continuous renovations and upgrades of the Kumasi Airport demonstrate the commitment to improving aviation infrastructure and connectivity in the region. These improvements not only benefit passengers and airlines but also contribute to the economic development and tourism potential of Kumasi and the surrounding areas.
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It's served by two domestic carriers
Prempeh I International Airport, formerly known as Kumasi Airport, is located 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Kumasi, the capital of Ghana's Ashanti Region. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions since its inception as a military base in 1943, with the goal of achieving international status. In 2014, it attained international airport status, but only on a regional level.
The airport is currently served by two domestic carriers: Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Passion Air. The availability of these carriers contributes to the airport's ability to handle a significant volume of passengers, with over 400,000 passengers passing through in 2023, making it the second busiest airport in Ghana.
The Government of Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to the airport's development by investing in infrastructure upgrades to ensure safe and comfortable domestic and international operations. Phase 1 of the development project focused on rehabilitating the runway and enhancing night operations with the installation of airfield and aeronautical ground lights. This phase was completed in December 2014, marking a significant milestone in the airport's history.
Phase 2 of the project, which commenced in 2018, includes the construction of a new terminal building, boarding bridges, a road network, and other essential facilities. This phase aims to accommodate an annual passenger traffic forecast of up to 800,000, aligning with the airport's capacity and potential to cater to the growing demand for air travel in the region.
The continuous improvements and expansion of Prempeh I International Airport, served by these two domestic carriers, showcase the airport's and Ghana's commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is located in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, Ghana.
The airport is located 6 kilometres (4 mi) from Kumasi.
The airport is a domestic airport. However, it attained international status in 2014.
The airport is currently served by two domestic carriers: Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Passion Air.
