Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is pressing ahead with an ambitious expansion of Accra International Airport, combining infrastructure upgrades with commercial developments as authorities roll out a new passenger levy to fund aviation growth.
The operator is set to begin construction mid-year on a seven-storey car park with capacity for about 2,000 vehicles, up from the current 513 bays at Terminal 3, where congestion has become a persistent issue during peak hours.
The expansion extends beyond parking. Plans include a 4,000 square meter retail complex with restaurants, a sky-view lounge for aircraft observation, and a dual hotel development featuring a 250-room budget facility and a 120-room luxury hotel to cater to transit and delayed passengers. A conference facility and business centre are also planned, a shift toward positioning the airport as a commercial hub.
Funding Model Drives Expansion
The development comes as the Ministry of Transport implements the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), which took effect on April 1, 2026, as part of efforts to address long-standing financing gaps in the aviation sector.
The ministry said the levy is a strategic measure to generate revenue to modernise airports and position the country as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Approved under the 2026 budget, the charge applies a $100 (GH₵1,600) fee on international return trips, $15 (GH₵240) for ECOWAS travel, and $30 (GH₵480) for other African routes. Domestic passengers are required to pay GH₵100.
The passenger-based funding model is expected to raise about $800 million (GH₵12.8 billion) over the next decade to support airport infrastructure upgrades.
Push for Non-Aeronautical Revenue
The expansion reflects a broader strategy to diversify revenue sources beyond passenger fees and airline charges. Retail, hospitality and parking are increasingly critical to airport economics globally.
For GACL, the planned facilities could increase passenger dwell time and spending, while also attracting non-travel visitors. The hotel and conference components are expected to strengthen Accra’s appeal as a business travel destination.
Balancing Growth and Competitiveness
While the investment could improve passenger experience and ease congestion, the funding mechanism has raised concerns among industry players. Higher charges risk affecting competitiveness as airlines and travelers weigh costs across West African hubs.
The success of the expansion will also depend on execution. Large infrastructure projects have often faced delays and cost overruns, while the commercial viability of retail and hospitality offerings will hinge on sustained passenger growth.
Still, if delivered as planned, the project could reinforce ambitions to become a regional aviation hub, even as authorities navigate the trade-off between infrastructure financing and maintaining competitive travel costs.
