Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport to commence expansion works

The Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Ghana is set commence its expansion works on the North Apron and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) headquarters.

The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Kofi Adda, confirmed the reports and said that the project was in line with the government’s plan to make Ghana an aviation hub within West Africa, and a destination of choice for travelers.

The minister further added that the expansion works on the two Aviation Projects would begin as soon as the groundbreaking ceremony is performed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

KIA infrastructure projects

Expansion works of the airport will include undergo construction of terminal 3 that now has the capacity to process 1,250 passengers at peak times, and upgrading of infrastructure projects so as to reduce the traffic flow with key roads at the KIA dualized.

An overpass will also be constructed that will help ease the traffic. Mr. Adda added that there are plans to introduce a light train that would transport passengers from the terminals at an advanced stage.

According to Mr. Adda, construction of a modern GCAA headquarters which is the country’s aviation regulator would enable the body to execute its mandate effectively. Construction of the headquarters is part of the government’s key strategic program of changing the aviation industry.

Ongoing aviation project

Meanwhile, other projects that are still on progress include construction of phase two of the Kumasi Airport. The expansion encompasses the extension of the current length of the runway from 1,981m to 2,300m. An additional two new apron parking stands of 17,500 m2 are also under construction.

Phase two of Tamale airport is also undergoing a redevelopment which will comprise of a terminal which will cater for passenger travel processes and services, as well as hosting a cargo village. As of 2017, KIA handled an approximately 2.29 million passengers and 39,217 aircraft movements.

Source: Construction Review On Line

UPDATE: Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3 Opens to Passenger Traffic

On September 15, 2018, following the completion of tests and simulation exercises, the Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport became fully operational.

Airport operator and manager Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) broke ground on the construction of its flagship project (Terminal 3) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in March 2016.

The project is a part of GACL’s capital investment program that entails the construction of a new terminal at KIA, the only international airport in the country, and the rehabilitation of other regional airports managed by GACL.

Terminal 3 has been lauded as one of the ultra-modern terminals in the world.

The new terminal comprises of five levels spread across an area of 48,268m² and semi closed areas for the Baggage Make-up Areas of 28,260m².

It also boasts ultra-modern facilities and the capacity to handle 5 million passengers a year; capacity to process 1,250 passengers per hour; six boarding bridges; 7 links (expandable to 8 in the future); a large retail area (7000m²), CIP terminal and 707 Car parking slots and a new Road network.

The $250 million T3 project is expected to be officially commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on October 2, 2018.

Source: Tech Voice Africa

Ghana: Kokota Airport Terminal 3 to be operational from september 15

The Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Mr John Dekyem Attafuah has announced that the newly constructed Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport will become fully operational on September 15 ahead of its official inauguration by President Akufo-Addo on October 2.

“Last Monday we started live flights from this airport, we had four flights on Monday, four airlines used here but for Emirates, for example, they came in went to Abidjan and came back in. So that’s what we have and today We have had our first arrivals to this terminal and so far all our systems have worked as we had expected and we are very confident that come the 15th of September, we should not have any problems and challenges,” Mr Attafuah added.

He further disclosed that Terminal 2 will now be used for domestic flights.

Minister’s assessment of Terminal 3

Mr Adda in his assessment after the tour described Terminal 3 as a ‘top class’ facility comparable to the best terminals in airports across the world.

The Minister also charged all staff of the GACL and users of the terminal to ensure that the maintenance manuals of the facility were adhered to.