KIA upgrades as Ghana's airspace assumes international appeal

The country's airspace has been cited as one of the most preferred in the world

Runways at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are currently being reinforced as part of continuous efforts to upgrade the airport to the highest international status.

Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Doreen Owusu-Fianko, disclosed this in an interview with Joy Business on the sidelines of a ceremony to mark the 65th International Civil Aviation Organisation Day.

Already, the country's relatively safe airspace is said to be one of the attractions drawing major airlines to extend their operations here.

The area, known as the Accra Flight Information region, covers a large section of the West African airspace, including Benin, Togo as well as Sao-Tome and parts of the Atlantic Ocean.

Speakers at the 65th International Civil Aviation Organization Day celebration also highlighted the remarkable safety record of the airspace considered as one of the best in the world.

“Currently, we are working on strengthening our runways, increasing the aprons [to] handle more aircraft,” Mrs Owusu-Fianko said.

The MD also hinted that the company intends to expand the terminal to be able to accommodate more passengers at a time. Boarding gates will also be increased to 10 from the current two, she indicated.

She said the present situation makes it possible for the airport to handle only two aircraft at a time. If the additional eight are fitted, the airport will be able serve ten planes at a time, she indicated.

KIA has, over the years, undergone a major facelift in an effort to raise its international appeal.

The United Nations resident representative, Daouda Toure, in a statement from the International Civil Aviation Organisation said several measures have been taken to reduce airlines' contribution to climate change.