The much-anticipated direct flight from London Gatwick to Kumasi’s newly inaugurated Prempeh International Airport appears to be more of a chartered service than a regular commercial route. Despite initial reports suggesting a new direct flight service between the two cities, Ethiopian Airlines’ website reveals no such regular route. Instead, flights from Gatwick to Kumasi include two stops — in Addis Ababa and Accra — and take anywhere from 21 to 23 hours.
Closer scrutiny of announcements from the Ghana Airport Company and insights from industry experts confirm that the direct flights scheduled for December 3 and December 15 are special services, not part of Ethiopian Airlines’ standard operations. A statement from the airport company mentions that “subsequent flight schedules will be published in the coming weeks,” indicating that this is not a regular route, as such services are typically characterized by consistent, ongoing schedules.
Industry insiders have suggested that these flights are likely part of the inaugural activities for Kumasi’s new international airport. Aviation experts believe these flights are more akin to chartered services meant to celebrate the airport’s opening rather than a new commercial route.
Ethiopian Airlines has remained cautious in its public statements, describing the flights as a “test run.” A representative from the airline explained, “This is a pilot we are doing. We are testing the market, and from there, we’ll pick up the pace.” This suggests that the airline is gauging demand for a potential future service, with expansion plans contingent on the success of these initial flights.
Earlier media reports had given travelers the impression that Ethiopian Airlines was launching a direct service route starting December 3, raising hopes of frequent, convenient travel between London and Kumasi. However, aviation experts have cast doubt on the feasibility of such a service. One expert, speaking anonymously to The High Street Journal, pointed out that Kumasi’s runway may not be able to accommodate planes capable of making a long-haul flight without refueling stops. This limitation further supports the idea that these direct flights are special chartered services, not part of a permanent route offering.
Ironically, Ghana’s decision to work with Ethiopian Airlines for these flights is notable, given the country’s previous reluctance to partner with the airline in launching a national carrier — a proposal that has been rejected more than once in the past. Despite this history, Ethiopian Airlines is now playing a key role in Kumasi’s international travel ambitions, at least for the time being.
