Air travel in Ghana is becoming more expensive, raising fresh concerns about the country’s competitiveness in the aviation sector as airlines begin implementing the government’s Airport Infrastructure Development Levy.
The new charges, which take effect immediately, will increase ticket prices across domestic, regional, and international routes. Passengers flying within Ghana will now pay an additional GH¢100, while regional and international travellers face surcharges ranging between $35 and $100, depending on their destination and ticket type.
While the government maintains that the levy is necessary to address critical infrastructure needs—particularly at Kotoka International Airport—industry stakeholders warn that the move could have unintended consequences.
Projects earmarked under the levy include a new concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3, expansion of parking facilities, and rehabilitation of regional airports. However, critics argue that increasing costs could discourage travel and reduce Ghana’s appeal as an aviation hub.
Some industry players also question the timing of the policy, noting that it contradicts a directive by Economic Community of West African States encouraging member states to reduce air transport taxes to boost regional connectivity.
Concerns are further heightened by global factors, including rising aviation fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions, which are already pushing airlines to adjust fares upward.
According to the Board of Airlines Representatives in Ghana, the new levy could significantly alter Ghana’s ranking in Africa, potentially moving it from ninth to third place among countries with the highest airport charges—behind only Gabon and Sierra Leone.
Although aviation expert Sean Mendis has defended the policy as necessary to sustain airport infrastructure, the broader concern remains whether higher costs will ultimately affect passenger traffic and the country’s long-term competitiveness in the aviation industry.
