GACL shuts down McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal for $3 million debt.

The Airports Company Limited (GACL) has closed the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal due to an outstanding debt of more than $3 million.

The debt, which included land leases, rentals, and terminal costs amassed over time, was not cleared despite being allowed until Christmas to pay it.

This is the second time McDan Aviation has faced a closure. Following operational violations, GACL stopped McDan Aviation from performing private aircraft services at Kotoka International Airport’s Terminal 1 indefinitely in February 2022.

This move arose after McDan began offering private aircraft services at the airport while failing to meet the airport authorities’ rules and regulations.

In a letter dated January 31, 2022, GACL ordered McDan Aviation to halt operations at Terminal 1, citing the company’s failure to follow previous directions. The letter, issued by Yaw Kwakwa, Managing Director of GACL, stated that McDan Aviation did not follow the terms for using the terminal as a private jet facility, and hence its usage was suspended till further notice.

The letter was also copied to many high-ranking officials, including the President’s and Vice President’s Secretaries, the Minister of Transportation, and the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

McDan Aviation was also directed to turn over the terminal keys for a shared inventory by the end of business on January 31, 2022.

McDan Aviation launched its private jet terminal and services on January 28, 2022, but key figures in the aviation sector, including Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah and officials from Ghana Airports Company Limited, boycotted the event due to concerns about the company’s operations.

Despite the prior shutdown and ongoing operational challenges at McDan Aviation, the company’s refusal to pay its obligations has resulted in the latest closure of the private aircraft port.