Air Traffic Growth in West Africa
Air traffic is experiencing significant growth in West Africa. From Dakar to Abidjan, passing through Accra, infrastructure is consistently being strengthened to increase their competitiveness.
In Ghana, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra continues its transformation. President John Dramani Mahama launched a new phase of the expansion project on April 27th, which includes the construction of a connecting hall between terminals 2 and 3, aimed at improving passenger flow within the airport premises.
The new building will integrate modern boarding bridges, expanded waiting areas, VIP lounges, commercial spaces, as well as optimized service infrastructure (baggage handling systems, security, ground operations, etc.).
A Comprehensive Repositioning Program
This new project complements the efforts to enhance the infrastructure’s regional positioning. At the core of the program is the strategic conversion of terminal 2 initiated by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), to accommodate both domestic and international flights.
The goal is two-fold: to ease the pressure on terminal 3, which became operational in October 2018 and is now the main international flight hub, and to fully capitalize on the unused spaces of T2. According to GACL, once completed, this project will be a major step in the continuous commitment of airport authorities to improve passenger experience across all their platforms.
Beyond T2 and the connecting hall, the program includes a series of additional investments, such as the construction of a new parking area to enhance city accessibility, the building of a new control tower to strengthen air traffic security and management, the development of a hotel complex adjacent to the airport, and the expansion of commercial offerings, including duty-free shops.
An Airport Platform in Full Growth
Together, these projects aim to transform the Accra airport into a comprehensive hub integrating transportation, services, accommodation, and commerce, capable of handling a growing air traffic volume. Official data shows that the number of passengers transiting through the airport increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025.
This rise in traffic is supported by the increased service by several international and regional airlines. American Delta Air Lines resumed its flights to Ghana in December 2025, while Air Tanzania launched its first rotations to Accra in January 2026, enhancing the country’s connectivity with North America and East Africa.
Additionally, the airport platform is expected to benefit from the fruits of the proactive visa policy deployed by authorities to enhance the country’s attractiveness. A visa-free regime for all African nationals was set to come into effect on May 25th, coinciding with Africa Day. By facilitating entry into the country, these measures aim to stimulate not only air traffic but also related sectors like tourism and hospitality.
