Ghana Airport Traffic Holds Firm After AIDC
By David Kwakutse
International passenger numbers edge higher in second quarter as summer travel season gathers pace
International passenger traffic through Ghana’s main international airport, the Accra International Airport, remained resilient in the three months after the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) took effect, with second-quarter traffic slightly exceeding the first quarter and June producing the strongest monthly performance since January.
Half-year data obtained by AviationGhana.com show that international passenger throughput reached 599,609 in April-June, compared with 592,946 passengers in January-March.
The second-quarter figure represents an increase of about 1.1%, suggesting that the introduction of the new infrastructure charge has not, so far, resulted in a sustained reduction in passenger volumes.
The AIDC came into effect in April as part of a government plan to mobilise about US$800 million over 10 years for airport infrastructure upgrades. International passengers pay US$50 per trip, with lower rates applying to ECOWAS and other African routes.
The levy is intended to support projects including the planned airside connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3, a new multi-purpose car park at Terminal 3 that will have a transit hotel, repurposing of Terminal 2 at Accra International Airport and other airport developments in other regions of the country.
Traffic Rebounds After April Introduction
International passenger traffic stood at 196,236 in April, the first month under the AIDC regime. It then rose to 198,578 in May and climbed further to 204,795 in June, according to the GCAA.
June’s traffic was about 4.4% higher than April, providing an early indication of continued underlying demand as Ghana moves into the traditionally stronger summer travel period.
The numbers also show that the post-AIDC quarterly average was marginally stronger. Passenger throughput averaged about 199,870 per month in April-June, compared with roughly 197,649 during January-March.
Summer Demand Offers Stronger Test
The resilience is significant for airlines, airports and policymakers because the AIDC had raised concerns within the industry that higher passenger charges could affect demand and Ghana’s competitiveness. So far, the data do not show such a contraction.
Instead, international traffic strengthened through the second quarter, giving airlines and airport operators a firmer base as Ghana entered the summer peak and looks to attract additional capacity.
For policymakers, the bigger test will be whether passenger growth can remain resilient while AIDC-funded infrastructure improvements translate into tangible gains in capacity, connectivity and passenger experience.
The infrastructure programme is intended to strengthen Ghana’s ambition to become a leading West African aviation hub.
Ghana Airport Traffic Holds Firm After AIDC | Aviationghana.com
