In the span of the last seven years, Ghana has witnessed the arrival of a remarkable array of aircraft at both Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and Kumasi International Airport.
The Airbus A380, operated by Emirates, marked a significant milestone in 2018 with its successful landing and departure at Kotoka International Airport’s Terminal 3. This event, a one-time service to the new terminal, showcased the airport’s capability to accommodate the world’s largest commercial aircraft.
Piloted by Ghanaian Captain Solomon Quainoo and UAE national First Officer Faisal Alhammadi, this historic A380 landing underscored KIA’s readiness for such prestigious flights.
The recurrence of history transpired on September 29, 2022, as another A380, operated by British Airways, graced KIA’s tarmac, reaffirming Ghana Airports Company Limited’s proficiency in handling some of the globe’s largest passenger planes.
In a more recent development in 2023, US Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on a historic visit to Ghana aboard Air Force 2, the official call sign for any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the Vice President. The grandeur of this jet was on display at KIA for three days during her official visit.
Adding to this aviation saga, the Airbus A320 operated by EgyptAir made its debut at the newly-renovated Kumasi International Airport on April 25, 2024. Transporting the Egyptian football team Zamalek, the A320 landed to play a football match with Ghana’s Dreams FC. Notably, this marked the third successful A320 landing and takeoff at Kumasi International Airport since 2019, as reported by AviationGhana.com.
Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, highlighted during a recent tour of the new Kumasi International Airport that its inauguration is scheduled for May, preceding its full operationalization by June 2024. Expansion plans are underway, including runway extension works to accommodate larger aircraft beyond the A320 and B737, aiming to enhance the airport’s capacity and capabilities.