Flight operation at KIA increase

Accra, Dec. 17, GNA - Flight operations at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have increased due to the reduction of aeronautical charges by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority about a year ago.

The 50 per cent reduction of these charges to airlines that fly by day and 25 per cent reduction to airlines that fly by night have also led to an increase in flight frequencies.

The director of airport management, Mr Christ Quaye told the Ghana News Agency that new airlines like Afriquia, Slok, Aero contractors and Hamburg International Airlines had started operations at the KIA.

According to Mr. Quaye, Emirates Airlines now have four frequencies a week, Air Avoir has increased from three flights a week to 2 flights a day.

He said Bellview Airlines has increased to ten rotations a week whilst KLM has increased its aircraft capacity with the introduction of its Boaeng 777 MP aircraft.

Mr Quaye said Alitalia, Lufthansa have applied to the authorities to increase their frequencies to early next year.

He said the reduction has helped domestic airlines like Antrack and CTK to survive in their domestic operations to the extent that they are well developed, experienced and have been license for sub-regional flights.

Mr Quaye was quick to add that the demise of the national carrier has led to the influx of chartered airlines flying the European route.

"These chartered European airlines have provided affordable ticket cost for Ghanaians to Europe," he said.