The air traffic in West Africa is experiencing significant growth. From Dakar to Abidjan, passing through Accra, the infrastructures are constantly being strengthened to increase their competitiveness.
In Ghana, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra continues to evolve. On April 27, President John Dramani Mahama launched a new phase of the platform extension project, which includes the construction of a connecting hall between terminals 2 and 3 to improve passenger flow on the premises.
The planned building will integrate modern boarding bridges, expanded waiting areas, VIP lounges, commercial spaces, and optimized service infrastructure (baggage handling systems, security, ground operations, etc.).
A comprehensive repositioning program
This new project complements the efforts made to improve the positioning of the infrastructure at the regional level. At the heart 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 twofold. On one hand, to alleviate pressure on terminal 3, which became operational in October 2018 and is now the main point of entry for international flights, and on the other hand, to fully utilize the unused spaces of T2. The GACL stated in March 2025 that “Terminal 2, when reallocated, should help absorb the increase in passenger traffic and reduce congestion observed at terminal 3 during peak hours, by fully exploiting the capacity of T2 as Ghana prepares to welcome new airlines at the Kotoka International Airport in the coming months. Once completed, this project will be a major step in the ongoing commitment of airport authorities to enhance the passenger experience across all their platforms.”
Beyond T2 and the connecting hall, the program includes additional investments such as the construction of a new parking lot to improve city accessibility, the erection of a new control tower to enhance air traffic security and management, the development of a hotel complex adjacent to the platform, and the expansion of commercial offerings, particularly duty-free shops.
A rapidly growing airport platform
Collectively, these projects aim to transform the Accra airport into a comprehensive hub encompassing transportation, services, accommodation, and commerce, capable of accommodating growing air traffic. Official data shows that the number of passengers passing through this airport has increased from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025.
This surge in traffic is supported by increased service from several international and regional airlines. American Delta Air Lines resumed flights to Ghana in December 2025, while Air Tanzania launched its first rotations to Accra in January 2026, strengthening the country’s connectivity with North America and East Africa.
Additionally, the airport platform is expected to benefit from the proactive visa policy implemented by the authorities to enhance the country’s attractiveness. A visa-free regime for all African nationals was set to take 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.
