Accra: Airports across the world are constantly evolving to meet rising passenger demand, enhance sustainability, and boost operational efficiency. Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is no exception. Over the years, KIA has witnessed steady growth in passenger traffic and aircraft movements and is now served by 24 international airlines.
According to Ghana News Agency, management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), guided by its mandate to plan, develop, manage, and maintain airports in Ghana, was implementing a series of strategic projects designed to enhance passenger experience and strengthen KIA's position as West Africa's leading aviation hub. Terminal 2 was being redeveloped for dual use, facilitating both international and domestic passengers, easing congestion at Terminal 3 during peak hours while maximizing the use of available space.
Enhancements to Terminal 2 include a facelift of the meters-and-greeters area, transforming it into a double-story facility, alongside new shops and restaurants to better serve travelers and visitors. To meet the increasing traffic and support the government's 24-hour economy policy, a new multi-storey car park was planned at the current Terminal 3 car park site. The development will integrate commercial, retail, and hotel facilities, increasing parking capacity from 513 to 2,000 vehicles.
An alternate parking space nearby would be provided during construction, and once completed, the project would not only expand capacity and improve traffic circulation but also generate round-the-clock jobs from construction, to car park operations, to hotel services, bringing the 24-hour economy policy to life at KIA. A new connecting concourse, when complete, would link Terminals 2 and 3, ensuring seamless passenger movement and reducing transfer times. Currently, passengers moving between the terminals must either walk outdoors or take a vehicle.
The concourse, designed in line with global best practices, would feature commercial spaces, restaurants, boarding bridges, passenger waiting areas, VIP and business lounges, as well as lifts, escalators, and travellators for convenience. Currently, work has commenced on rehabilitating the main runway at KIA, and the project would enhance surface quality, extend the runway's service life, and ensure continued compliance with international safety standards. The upgrades include widening the runway from 45 meters to 60 meters and installing modern LED aeronautical ground lighting to enhance operational safety and efficiency.
With these flagship projects, KIA is poised for remarkable transformation over the next 2-5 years. The result will be iconic infrastructure, improved passenger facilitation, and a richer, more enjoyable travel experience for all.
