Air passengers to pay more for tickets as Ghana’s new Airport Levy takes effect today

Passengers travelling through Accra International Airport, Ghana, will face higher ticket costs from today as the Ministry of Transport implements the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC).

The levy, introduced to fund major aviation infrastructure projects, applies to all tickets issued from April 1, 2026. International travellers will pay an additional $50 per ticket, while flights within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will incur a $15 charge. Other African routes will attract a $30 levy. Infants, diplomats, and airline crew on duty are exempt.

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The new charges are expected to push up fares across all routes. Domestic passengers travelling within Ghana will see ticket costs rise by around GH¢100, while regional flights could increase by up to $15–$30. Long-haul fares will also rise, though the proportional impact is smaller.

In a letter dated March 30, 2026, addressed to the Board of Airline Representatives, Ghana, the sector Ministry confirmed that the levy will apply to both domestic and international passengers, with exemptions for infants, diplomats, and on-duty crew. The charge is projected to generate about $800 million over ten years to fund key aviation projects nationwide, with funds managed by the Ministry of Transport.

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A flagship project under the programme is the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3 at Accra International Airport, the country’s primary aviation hub. The integration aims to ease operational bottlenecks caused by the detached terminals and enable smoother passenger transfers.

Authorities say the project will improve efficiency, strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub, and allow more flexible use of facilities for domestic, regional, and international flights.

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Beyond Accra, major upgrades are planned for regional airports, including a multi-storey car park at Terminal 3, a new terminal and runway extension at Wa Airport, a greenfield airport in Bolgatanga, and a new terminal with an air traffic control tower at Sunyani Airport, alongside a runway extension to accommodate larger aircraft. Sunyani Airport currently handles limited operations due to runway constraints, but the upgrade is expected to attract more domestic carriers.

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The levy comes as airlines adjust fares due to rising aviation fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Board of Airline Representatives estimates Ghana could move from ninth (9th) to third (3rd) among African countries with the highest airport charges if fully implemented.