State-owned airport operator Ghana Airports Company Limited has defended its decision to terminate the operating agreement of McDan Aviation Handling Services, insisting the move was lawful and driven by years of unpaid rent, royalties and licence fees.
In the latest press statement responding to allegations by McDan Aviation, the company said the contract was terminated on January 16, 2026, after months of demand notices over outstanding payments.
According to GACL, the aviation services company had failed to settle rent obligations for the entire 2025 period at the time the contract was terminated. The airport operator also cited an additional $16,000 in rejected banknotes from a 2024 payment as part of the outstanding liabilities.
GACL said McDan Aviation only made a payment in February 2026, after the contract had already been terminated and the private jet terminal closed.
“The payment made represented only half of the outstanding amount owed to GACL,” the company said, adding that the aviation firm still owes unpaid rent, royalties and licence fees.
Four Years of Unpaid Licence Fees
The statement further indicated that licence fees required for operating a private jet handling business had not been paid for four years, from 2022 to 2026.
GACL said the company would present evidence to the courts, including post-dated cheques allegedly issued by McDan Aviation but later restrained from being deposited due to insufficient funds.
The airport operator also said it would submit copies of multiple demand notices sent to the company over the period.
Case Now Before the Courts
GACL said the matter is now before the courts and it would refrain from debating the issue publicly in order to respect the judicial process.
“All records and evidence of non-payment, in addition to the contract which provides termination clauses, will be submitted to the courts,” the statement said.
Revenue Protection
The company stressed that revenues such as rent, royalties and licence fees form a critical part of its operations and support employment within the organisation.
GACL noted that it employs thousands of Ghanaians and relies on income from commercial partnerships to sustain operations and maintain airport infrastructure.
While the company said it continues to support partnerships with compliant local and international businesses, it maintained that it would pursue all debtors who fail to honour contractual obligations.
The airport operator also indicated that it will take all legal steps necessary to recover monies and assets owed to the company.
