Tag: ghana

Navrongo Airport, also known as Navrongo Airstrip, is an airstrip serving the towns of Paga and Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region in Ghana. The airport holds historical significance, as it was originally constructed with the purpose of aiding the landing of soldiers to defend the country’s borders in the event of potential attacks.

While Navrongo Airport is currently in an abandoned state, there remains the possibility of utilizing it for emergency purposes, particularly for helicopter operations. In times of crises or urgent situations, such as medical emergencies or disaster response, the airport’s infrastructure can be repurposed to accommodate helicopter landings and takeoffs, enabling the swift transportation of personnel, supplies, and critically injured individuals.

Recognizing the need for enhanced aviation infrastructure in the region, efforts are underway to construct a new airstrip. The development of a new airstrip signifies a commitment to improving regional connectivity and accessibility, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods. This new project aims to provide a modern and well-equipped facility that meets the aviation needs of the Upper East Region.

While Navrongo Airport awaits its revitalization, the forthcoming new airstrip promises to play a significant role in the region’s future. It will serve as a symbol of progress, providing improved aviation services and infrastructure to support the growing needs of the Kassena-Nankana West District and the broader Upper East Region of Ghana.

Obuasi Airport, located in the town of Obuasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, serves as a vital transportation hub for the region. Situated approximately 7 kilometers northeast of the town center, it plays a significant role in connecting the local community to domestic and regional destinations.

The airport features a single runway, which provides a crucial landing and takeoff point for various aircraft. While the exact specifications of the runway may vary, it is designed to accommodate both small and medium-sized aircraft, facilitating efficient air travel in and out of the region.

Obuasi Airport serves as a gateway for travelers, including both business and leisure visitors, as well as local residents. It provides convenient access to Obuasi and the surrounding areas, allowing for the seamless movement of people and goods. The airport’s strategic location should contribute to the economic growth and development of the region, as it supports industries such as mining, commerce, and tourism.

Passenger services at Obuasi Airport include check-in facilities, security procedures, and boarding areas to ensure a smooth travel experience. The airport also offers various amenities to cater to the needs of travelers, such as lounges, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Furthermore, Obuasi Airport serves as a vital transportation link for emergency medical services and other critical operations. In times of need, the airport can facilitate the transportation of medical personnel, supplies, and patients, contributing to the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Ho Airport, situated in the Volta Region of Ghana, was constructed with the aim of serving the city of Ho and its surrounding areas. The airport’s construction was completed in 2017, but it did not commence commercial operations until 2021.

Unfortunately, scheduled flights from Passion Air and Africa World Airlines to Ho Airport were suspended in March 2022 due to various operational challenges. Factors such as low patronage and high fuel costs contributed to the decision to temporarily halt commercial traffic at the airport.

The development of Ho Airport was initiated in September 2015, marked by the ceremonial cutting of the sod to signify the commencement of construction. Once the project reaches completion, the airport will boast several key features. These include a runway measuring 1,900 meters in length and 30 meters in width, an aircraft parking area, a terminal building capable of accommodating a minimum of 150,000 passengers annually, VIP and VVIP facilities, a designated staff parking area, and a network of roads spanning approximately nine kilometers surrounding the airport.

The establishment of Ho Airport holds significant promise for the Volta Region, as it is expected to bring about several positive impacts. The airport’s presence is anticipated to stimulate economic growth within the region, create employment opportunities for the local population, and foster the development of tourism.

Although facing temporary challenges, the vision and potential of Ho Airport remain intact. Efforts will be made to address the operational issues and reinstate commercial flights, allowing the airport to fully realize its intended benefits and contribute to the progress of the Volta Region.

Yendi Airport, situated in the town of Yendi within the Northern Region of Ghana, serves as a crucial transportation facility for the local community. It is located at a latitude of 9.42752 and a longitude of -0.00291. The airport features a single runway, identified as Runway 5/23.

Within proximity to Yendi Airport, there are several other airfields, including Tamale Airport, Sansanné-Mango Airport, Niamtougou International Airport, Sokodé Airport, and Djangou Airport. These nearby airports contribute to regional connectivity and accessibility, supporting various travel needs within the Northern Region and neighboring areas.

The establishment of Yendi Airport was primarily aimed at serving the local population and fulfilling their transportation requirements. While it primarily caters to fixed-wing aircraft operations, it also serves as a valuable resource in case of emergencies, allowing for the utilization of helicopters if the need arises. This flexibility ensures that emergency medical services, disaster response teams, or other urgent situations can be addressed promptly and efficiently.

Wa Airport, located in Wa, the capital city of the Upper West Region of Ghana, serves as a vital transportation hub in the area. Operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited, the airport holds the distinction of being the fifth busiest commercial airport in Ghana. In the year 2022 alone, it facilitated the travel of over 25,000 passengers.

Historically, the Wa airstrip had been utilized for domestic services. However, over the years, it became inadequate for accommodating domestic flights. To address this, significant renovations and improvements were undertaken at the airport. These included the construction of a suitable terminal building, the development of a new runway, and the implementation of fencing around the facility. These enhancements were crucial in transforming the airport into a safe and suitable facility for commercial operations.

On 15th October 2019, Wa Airport marked a significant milestone as it commenced scheduled commercial flight operations. Africa World Airlines played a pivotal role in this development, offering services from Accra via Tamale, opening up new opportunities for travelers, connecting them to various destinations conveniently.

However, the airport’s operations were affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. In response to the global health crisis, flight services were temporarily suspended to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and staff. As of now, flight operations at Wa Airport remain suspended, awaiting the resolution of various safety challenges.

The renovations and upgrades undertaken at Wa Airport reflect the commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating efficient air travel within the Upper West Region. Once the safety challenges are resolved, the airport will resume its operations, serving as a crucial link for both business and leisure travelers.

Takoradi Airport, located in the city of Sekondi-Takoradi, which serves as the capital of the Western Region in southern Ghana, is a prominent airport facility in the country. It stands as the fourth busiest airport in Ghana, having catered to approximately 123,930 passengers in the year 2022.

During World War II, Takoradi Airport played a crucial role in the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command Trans-Africa Ferry Route. This route served as a vital transportation link between the Atlantic Ocean port of Lagos in Nigeria and Sudan. It held significant importance as one of the primary routes for transporting Lend-Lease aircraft to Russia, as well as providing supplies to British forces stationed in Egypt and the Middle East.

At that time, Takoradi Airport served as a Royal Air Force station and was known as “RAF Takoradi.” The airport functioned as an assembly point for crated aircraft that had been transported across the Atlantic Ocean. These aircraft were unpacked and assembled at RAF Takoradi before being flown to operational areas in North Africa.

Today, Takoradi Airport continues to contribute to the region’s aviation infrastructure, facilitating air travel and connectivity for both domestic and international passengers. It serves as an important gateway to the Western Region of Ghana, supporting various economic and commercial activities in the area. The airport’s prominence and steady passenger traffic underscore its significance as a transportation hub in the region, linking Sekondi-Takoradi to other domestic and international destinations.

Tamale Airport was founded as a main advanced operational base for troops during World War II. The Government of the first republic of Ghana approved a plan to build a new international airport to serve the military eleven miles north of Tamale on realizing its strategic position/importance. Although the project got off to a bright start, it was abandoned with the overthrow of the regime in 1966. However, work on the airport resumed with some modifications to accommodate civil operations.

In September 2014, work commenced on the upgrade and expansion of Tamale Airport to International status. The first phase involved the upgrade and extension of the runway from 2438m to 3940m, construction of a new Apron and taxilink, rehabilitation of existing apron and the installation of Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems.

The second phase expected features of the terminal building include a VIP lounge; two Boarding Gates; four self-service check-in Kiosks; eight check-in desks; airline offices; commercial retail areas; a Multi-Purpose Terminal to include Hajj travel facilitation and a 5km Road Network among others. The scope of works comprises an Expandable Modular Airport Terminal Building designed for Annual Passenger Throughput of 400,000 capacity.

Today, Tamale Airport is used for both civil and military operations and for special international flights. The two main domestic airlines, Africa World Airlines (AWA) and PassionAir, operate daily services with multiple frequencies to the Northern Regional Capital.

Sunyani Airport offers domestic air travel services within the Bono Region of Ghana. Initially established as a communication outpost and aerodrome, the airport was constructed in 1942 to support the Allied Forces during World War II. However, the airstrip was later abandoned before the war concluded. In 1969, the Government of Ghana commenced the development of a comprehensive airport for the region, and it was officially inaugurated on July, 1974.

In March 2016, operations at Sunyani Airport were suspended due to safety concerns arising from the visible deterioration of the airport’s airside pavements, including the runway, taxi link, and apron. Consequently, travelers, particularly those from the business community, were compelled to rely solely on road transportation for their socio-economic activities. These journeys were typically lengthy, arduous, and posed obstacles to conducting business operations.

To address these issues, a comprehensive reconstruction and expansion project was undertaken. The completed works done on Sunyani Airport involved extending the existing 1,280-meter runway to 1,400 meters, ensuring a paved and grooved surface for safe aircraft operations. Additionally, the project included the rehabilitation of the existing taxilink, the refurbishment and upgrade of the apron, resurfacing of internal roads, and minimal renovation of the terminal building to accommodate the processing of 100 passengers per hour.

The official commissioning of the revitalized Sunyani Airport on 2022, marked a significant milestone for the region, as it restored air connectivity and provided improved transportation options for both business and leisure travelers.

Kumasi Airport is a prominent national airport located in Kumasi, the capital city of the Ashanti Region in Ghana. Situated approximately 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center, the airport serves as a crucial transportation hub for the region. In recent years, it has experienced significant growth, establishing itself as the second busiest airport in Ghana, trailing behind the renowned Kotoka International Airport in Accra.

Originally a military base, Kumasi Airport underwent a transformative conversion into a civilian airport in 1999. Since then, the airport has undergone several renovation and expansion projects aimed at bolstering its status as an international airport and improving its infrastructure to cater to the growing number of passengers.

In 2008, ahead of Ghana’s hosting of the African Cup of Nations 2008 (CAN 2008), Bans Consult Limited carried out extensive renovation works at the airport. These renovation efforts focused on enhancing various areas of the airport, including the arrival and departure halls, the control room, the rescue and fire station, and the construction of a VIP Lounge.

Over the years, Kumasi International Airport has experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers, handling over 450,000 passengers in 2022 alone. With its strategic location, Kumasi Airport plays a pivotal role in facilitating travel and trade in the region. It serves as a vital link connecting Kumasi to other parts of Ghana. The airport’s transformation from a military base to a bustling international airport underscores the nation’s dedication to enhancing air travel infrastructure and providing convenient travel options for both domestic and international passengers.

As Kumasi Airport continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in Ghana’s aviation landscape, contributing to the nation’s economic development and promoting tourism and business opportunities in the vibrant Ashanti Region.

Kotoka International Airport, previously known as Accra International Airport, is a bustling and vital transportation hub located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. As the sole international airport in the country, it plays a crucial role in connecting Ghana with the rest of the world. Operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), the airport boasts modern facilities and excellent services for both passengers and cargo.

The airport comprises two main passenger terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is dedicated to domestic flights, facilitating convenient travel within Ghana. On the other hand, Terminal 3 caters to a wide range of travelers, including those flying on regional, international, and long-haul routes. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, Terminal 3 can accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380, reflecting the airport’s commitment to handling significant passenger volumes and fostering international connectivity.

Although Terminal 1 is presently inactive for passenger operations, it is slated for redevelopment into an FBO (Fixed Base Operator). This redevelopment project will enhance the airport’s overall capabilities and services, catering to specific aviation needs such as private jet handling, maintenance, and other related services.

Kotoka International Airport has garnered international recognition from The Airports Council International, being consistently honored as the “Best Airport in Africa” in the category of 2-5 Million passengers per annum for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021.

In addition to serving passenger flights, Kotoka International Airport also serves as an important hub for cargo transportation, facilitating the movement of various commodities, connecting local businesses to global markets.

Kotoka International Airport stands as a crucial gateway to Ghana, enabling seamless travel for both passengers and cargo. Its modern infrastructure, top-notch services, and commitment to excellence solidify its reputation as a leading international airport in Africa.