Airlines operating at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, are preparing for a significant disruption as the airport’s main runway undergoes essential maintenance starting March 30, 2025.
The closure will last for six hours daily, from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM local time, and is expected to continue for two years, concluding on March 30, 2027.
This extensive maintenance project, which includes overlay works on the runway, aims to enhance safety and capacity to accommodate the increasing volume of air traffic in and out of Ghana.
The affected airlines, including major international carriers such as Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Allied Air Cargo, and Ethiopian Airlines, are already making adjustments to their schedules and operations to mitigate any disruptions.
These airlines are working with the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to ensure that their flights continue without significant delays or cancellations during the nightly closure periods.
Some carriers may reschedule their flights, reroute operations, or increase the use of alternative airports during the closure hours to maintain their schedules.
In a letter dated October 23, 2024, the GACL, led by Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, officially informed the airlines of the upcoming runway closure. The letter outlined the specific closure hours and assured airlines that a detailed schedule of the maintenance work, as well as a contact list for key personnel involved in the project, would be provided to assist with planning and coordination.
GACL has emphasized that while the runway will be fully closed during the designated hours, efforts will be made to minimize the impact on flight operations, including working closely with airlines to ensure that necessary adjustments are made to maintain smooth airport operations.
The company has also indicated that it will explore temporary measures such as adjusting air traffic control procedures and optimizing airfield resources during the closure period to support the continued operation of essential flights.
Passengers flying to and from Kotoka International Airport during this period are advised to check with their airlines for updates on any changes to flight schedules, and to plan for potential delays or rerouted services.
The airport authorities are working to keep travelers informed of any developments related to the runway maintenance project.
The runway closure and maintenance work come as part of a broader effort by the Ghanaian government to improve the infrastructure of Kotoka International Airport, which has seen an increase in passenger traffic in recent years. The upgrades are expected to significantly improve the airport’s long-term functionality, making it better equipped to handle future growth in air travel to and from Ghana.
