Today marks a significant milestone for Kumasi, as the new Kumasi International Airport is set to be inaugurated, drawing interest from major international airlines for direct flights to Ghana’s Ashanti Regional capital.
Currently, at least four airlines from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe are in talks about the possibility of establishing direct routes to Kumasi.
These airlines have completed extensive commercial assessments and have approached the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ghana Airports Company Limited with formal inquiries.
The airport’s runway, at 1,981 meters, is ready to handle A319s, A320s, and Boeing 737s. To boost its capacity, there are plans to extend the runway to 2,320 meters, allowing for larger aircraft and smoother operations.
The inauguration ceremony will be led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
This event will also kick-start further testing of equipment at the new terminal, which is set to take over all domestic passenger services from the old terminal in June.
Joining the President and Otumfuo will be Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited Yvonne N. A. Opare, among other notable figures.
The Kumasi International Airport, located in the bustling city of Kumasi, has seen five years of redevelopment.
The new terminal, designed to handle over 800,000 passengers a year, is equipped with advanced passenger processing facilities and navigation aids, with Jet A1 fuel also available.