Kumasi Airport Not Attracting International Flights

Despite gaining an international status and the subsequent rehabilitation of the Kumasi Airport, the facility has till date not attracted any international flight.

Minister for Transport, Dzifa Aku Attivor, in an engagement with Parliament Thursday told members that no airline has applied to operate internationally at the Kumasi Airport, with the 72 year old facility still being used only for domestic flights.

The airport is currently served by Antrak, Africa World and Starbow Airlines, with an annual domestic passenger turnout of about 45,000, according to Ms. Attivor. Her comment was in response to an urgent question filed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

The legislator who is a medical doctor by profession wanted to “know the total cost breakdown for the rehabilitation of the Kumasi Airport that has been announced as US$29million”.

No reason was given as to why the airport facility has been unattractive to international flights. However, inside sources within the aviation industry say though the Kumasi Airport has gained international status, it still lacks some facilities to attract international flights.

In December 2014, the facility was equipped with aeronautical ground lighting system with existing Airfield Pavements also undergoing major rehabilitation exercise all at a cost of US$29million.