International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kotoka International Airport | Accra | ACC | DGAA |
| Kumasi International Airport | Kumasi | KMS | DGSI |
| Tamale International Airport | Tamale | TML | DGLE |
| Takoradi Airport | Takoradi | TKD | DGTK |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunyani Airport | Sunyani | NYI | DGSN |
| Wa Airport | Wa | None | DGLW |
Notes:
- Kotoka International Airport in Accra is the primary hub for international and regional flights in Ghana.
- Kumasi International Airport and Tamale International Airport recently upgraded to handle international flights but also serve domestic routes.
- Other airports like Takoradi and Sunyani handle domestic travel and limited operations.
Ghana Airports: Modernisation Plans Unveiled for 2025
Ghana, a vibrant West African nation, boasts a network of airports that connect its cities and link the country to the world. These air hubs play a crucial role in Ghana’s transport infrastructure, facilitating travel and commerce.
Ghana has 10 airports that serve both domestic and international flights. The largest and busiest is Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the capital city. This airport serves as the main gateway for visitors entering Ghana and is a key hub for air travel in West Africa.
Other airports in Ghana include those in Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. These regional airports help connect different parts of the country, making travel easier for both locals and tourists. The Ghana Airports Company Limited manages these facilities, working to improve air travel services across the nation.
Overview of Major Airports in Ghana
Ghana has several key airports that serve both international and domestic travellers. These airports are vital for connecting different regions of the country and facilitating global travel.
Kotoka International Airport
Kotoka International Airport in Accra is Ghana’s main gateway to the world. It handles most of the country’s international flights. The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the newest and largest.
Kotoka can handle wide-body aircraft and serves millions of passengers yearly. It offers flights to destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The airport’s facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. It’s managed by Ghana Airports Company Limited.
Kumasi Airport
Kumasi Airport serves Ghana’s second-largest city. It mainly handles domestic flights but also some regional ones.
The airport is undergoing expansion to handle more traffic. This includes extending the runway and building a new terminal.
Once complete, Kumasi Airport will be able to accept larger aircraft. This will boost its capacity for international flights.
Tamale Airport
Tamale Airport is located in northern Ghana. It’s an important hub for the region.
The airport has seen recent upgrades, including a new terminal building. These improvements have increased its capacity.
Tamale Airport now handles both domestic and international flights. It’s particularly important for Hajj pilgrims travelling to Mecca.
Takoradi Airport
Takoradi Airport serves Ghana’s Western Region. It’s mainly used for domestic flights.
The airport is close to Ghana’s offshore oil fields. This makes it crucial for the oil and gas industry.
There are plans to upgrade Takoradi Airport to international standards. This would allow it to handle more diverse traffic.
Sunyani Airport
Sunyani Airport serves the Bono Region of Ghana. It’s a smaller airport focusing on domestic flights.
The airport was established in the 1960s and officially opened in 1974. It plays a key role in connecting Sunyani to other parts of Ghana.
Sunyani Airport is also managed by Ghana Airports Company Limited. It helps boost local tourism and business travel.
Airport Facilities and Services
Ghana’s airports offer a range of facilities and services to cater to travellers’ needs. These include car hire, accommodation, meeting spaces, currency exchange, and shopping options.
Airport Car Rental Agencies
Several car rental agencies operate at Ghana’s major airports. At Kotoka International Airport, travellers can find well-known companies offering a variety of vehicles. Smaller regional airports may have fewer options, but still provide basic car hire services.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. Most agencies require an international driving permit along with a valid licence. Rates vary based on vehicle type and rental duration.
Many rental desks are located in the arrivals area of the terminal. Some companies offer meet-and-greet services, where staff will wait for passengers with paperwork ready.
Airport Hotels
Comfortable lodging options are available near Ghana’s airports. The area around Kotoka International Airport hosts several hotels catering to different budgets and preferences.
Many airport hotels offer shuttle services to and from the terminals. This is particularly convenient for travellers with early departures or late arrivals.
Some hotels provide day-use rooms, perfect for long layovers. These allow passengers to rest and refresh without booking a full night’s stay.
Facilities often include restaurants, fitness centres, and business services. Some hotels near major airports also offer conference rooms for corporate travellers.
Conference Centres
Ghana’s airports, particularly Kotoka International, have modern conference facilities. These cater to business travellers and local companies hosting events.
Conference centres are equipped with high-speed internet, audiovisual equipment, and flexible seating arrangements. Some offer catering services for meetings and events.
Many centres provide views of the airfield, adding a unique backdrop to gatherings. Some facilities can accommodate large groups, making them suitable for international conferences.
Booking is typically done through the airport’s management or dedicated event planning teams.
Foreign Currency Exchange Bureaus
Currency exchange services are readily available at Ghana’s international airports. These bureaus allow travellers to exchange foreign currencies for Ghanaian Cedis and vice versa.
Exchange rates are generally competitive, though they may not match the best rates in city centres. It’s wise to compare rates between different bureaus within the airport.
Most major currencies are accepted, with US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds being the most commonly exchanged. Some bureaus also offer currency exchange cards for added convenience.
Operating hours typically align with flight schedules, ensuring service availability for most arrivals and departures.
Duty-Free Retailers
Duty-free shopping is available at Ghana’s international airports, offering a range of products tax-free. These shops are located in departure areas, after security checkpoints.
Popular items include local Ghanaian products, international brand cosmetics, and premium spirits. Some shops also offer electronics and luxury goods.
Prices can be competitive, especially for items that are heavily taxed outside the airport. However, it’s always worth comparing with local market prices.
Many duty-free shops accept multiple currencies and major credit cards. Some offer a reserve and collect service, allowing passengers to pre-order items for pickup before their flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ghana’s airports have specific procedures and services for travellers. Knowing key details about flights, facilities, and regulations can help make your journey smoother.
What are the operating hours for international flights at Kotoka International Airport?
Kotoka International Airport in Accra operates 24 hours a day for international flights. Airlines schedule departures and arrivals throughout the day and night to accommodate global connections.
How many terminals does Kotoka International Airport have, and are there facilities for international travellers?
Kotoka International Airport has three terminals. Terminal 3 is dedicated to international flights and offers modern facilities for travellers, including duty-free shops, lounges, and dining options.
Are there any visa-on-arrival services available at Ghanaian airports for foreign nationals?
Ghana offers visa-on-arrival services at Kotoka International Airport for some nationalities. Travellers should check with the Ghana Immigration Service for eligibility and required documents before their trip.
What transportation options are available from major Ghanaian airports to city centres?
Taxis, ride-sharing services, and hotel shuttles are available at Ghana’s major airports. At Kotoka International Airport, travellers can find authorised taxi services just outside the arrivals area.
What are the luggage allowances and security restrictions at Ghana’s main airports?
Luggage allowances vary by airline and ticket class. Security restrictions at Ghanaian airports follow international standards for liquids and prohibited items. Passengers should check with their airline for specific baggage limits.
Can travellers access Wi-Fi services at the airports in Ghana?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport. This service enhances the passenger experience while waiting for flights or during layovers.
