New Airport Passenger Levy to Fund $800m Airport Modernisation Drive Starts April 1

The Government of Ghana has unveiled an ambitious airport infrastructure modernisation programme aimed at positioning the country as West Africa’s leading aviation hub, with funding anchored on a newly approved passenger-based levy. The announcement represents a strategic push by the government to enhance the country’s aviation sector and overall transport ecosystem, aligning with broader economic goals of stimulating trade, investment, and tourism.

The initiative, introduced in the 2026 national budget under the administration of John Dramani Mahama, forms part of a broader economic reset agenda focused on enhancing transport connectivity and logistics efficiency to boost trade, tourism, and investment. The programme is designed not only to modernise key airport facilities but also to make Ghana a preferred transit and destination point for international carriers operating within Africa and globally.

In a directive issued by the Ministry of Transport Ghana to the Board of Airline Representatives Ghana, authorities announced that the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) will take effect from April 1, 2026. The levy will apply to all tickets issued from that date for both domestic and international travel, with exemptions for infants, diplomats, and on-duty airline crew. Government sources emphasize that the move aligns with international practices, where similar charges are used to fund airport improvements and ensure sustainable financing for aviation infrastructure.

The AIDC is expected to generate approximately $800 million over the next decade to finance critical aviation infrastructure projects nationwide. Under the approved structure, international passengers will pay $50 per trip, while travellers within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will pay $15, alongside an additional $30 charge for other African routes. The revenue from this levy is earmarked to support both expansion and modernisation projects, including terminal upgrades, runway extensions, and improved passenger handling systems.

A key flagship project under the programme is the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Accra International Airport. The project is expected to eliminate operational bottlenecks caused by the current separation of terminals, enabling smoother passenger transfers and improving overall hub efficiency—an essential factor in attracting airlines and transit traffic. By streamlining passenger movement between terminals, the project is anticipated to reduce delays, enhance the passenger experience, and increase the airport’s capacity to handle larger volumes of travellers.

The integration will also support the operational strategy of Ghana Airports Company Limited by allowing more flexible use of terminal facilities across domestic, regional, and international routes. Authorities highlight that this flexibility is critical to accommodating fluctuations in passenger numbers, particularly during peak travel seasons, and to facilitating the introduction of new airline routes.

Beyond Accra, the programme outlines major upgrades to regional airports to strengthen domestic connectivity and ease pressure on the capital’s main gateway. Planned projects include a multi-storey car park at Kotoka International Airport, a new terminal and runway extension at Wa Airport, a greenfield airport in Bolgatanga, and significant upgrades at Sunyani Airport. These regional projects are designed to decentralise air traffic, promote economic growth in less-served areas, and improve access for both passengers and cargo.

The Sunyani expansion will feature a new terminal, a modern air traffic control tower, and a runway extension to over 2,000 metres—allowing larger aircraft to operate. Currently, the airport is primarily served by Passion Air due to runway limitations, but the upgrade is expected to open access to carriers such as Africa World Airlines, which would significantly increase connectivity and travel options for residents in the Bono Region and neighbouring areas.

The financing model signals a shift toward user-pay systems commonly adopted in global aviation, while underlining the government’s commitment to long-term sector competitiveness. Analysts suggest that this approach may also encourage private-sector participation in airport operations, including commercial development around terminals, retail concessions, and cargo handling services.

Authorities believe the modernisation drive will extend beyond aviation, serving as a catalyst for increased tourism flows, stronger regional trade integration, and enhanced positioning of Ghana within Africa’s evolving air transport network. By improving infrastructure, the government aims to make Ghana a central hub for business and leisure travel in West Africa, fostering economic diversification and providing a boost to local industries linked to transport, hospitality, and logistics.

The programme is expected to roll out in phases over the next ten years, with continuous monitoring to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Government officials have emphasised that the success of the plan will depend on coordination among national agencies, airlines, and private-sector partners, as well as sustained investment in aviation safety, technology, and workforce development.