-Aviation Analyst
Aviation Analyst, Sean Mendes, has observed that although the Prempeh I International Airport, is a viable project, it is best and ideal for regional and charter flights given the nature of the demand in Kumasi.
With the historic direct charter flight from London, Gatwick Airport to the the Kumasi International Airport, the commercial viability of the new edifice has come into question given the state of the Tamale Airport which has virtually become a white elephant.
The aviation analyst observed that the airport is designed to accommodate international flights as provisions have been made for immigration, customs, and port health among others. In addition, the recent historic flight from London and other charter flights for football teams handled by the Prempeh I International Airport, testifies its international capacity.
However, the potency of the airport for regular international traffic is in doubt.
Sean Mendes explained to The High Street Journal that Kumasi does not have enough demand for international flights to make the airport highly viable for regular global travel. The demand from Kumasi, he says is mostly seasonal as international traffic is mostly during holidays in Europe and North America. Given the seasonality, the analyst says the demand cannot be stimulated
“There is not much more that can really be done to make the airport more feasible as an international airport. The total volume of potential international traffic from Kumasi is not really elastic nor subject to stimulation. The bulk of the demand to/from Kumasi is seasonal in nature and diaspora driven, with traffic peaking during the school holidays in Europe and North America” he explained.
He, therefore, maintained that however, there is a good opportunity for regional flights as well as charter flights to cater to Ghanaians in the diaspora, adding the Prempeh I International Airport could attract flights to regional hubs like Addis Ababa, offering connections to the rest of the world.
The analyst also emphasized that the facility is unlikely to replace, or even challenge, Accra’s dominant position as Ghana’s primary international gateway.
“There may be a market for seasonal charter flights from Europe during these periods in the future, and possibly some services to regional hubs like Addis Ababa with connections onward to the rest of the world,” he revealed. “However, the reality is that Kumasi is never going to replace or even challenge Accra as the primary international gateway to Ghana.”
With this new perspective, stakeholders may need to adjust their expectations. While the airport’s expansion is a welcome development for domestic travelers, its commercial viability for frequent international operations faces tough odds.
