Kotoka International Airport’s (KIA) 30-year-old runway is undergoing critical repair, maintenance, and overlay works to ensure continued safety, reliability, and efficiency for passengers and airlines.
Checks by GhanaWeb reveal that the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), commenced contractual obligations for the runway project in March 2025, accompanied by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) circulated worldwide to advise airlines of the ongoing works.
The runway project, which includes a runway overlay, installation of an LED Approach Guidance Light (AGL) system, and rehabilitation of runway drainage, is scheduled to conclude in March 2027.
To minimise disruption, the runway is closed for five hours each night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., over the next 18 months.
Despite the scheduled closures, airport authorities have received multiple requests from airlines and chartered flights seeking access during the restricted hours.
On September 9, 2025, for example, a waiver was requested to admit peacekeeping troops on a chartered flight between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on September 10, 2025. Although the waiver was granted, it was not received by the Air Traffic Control Tower in time, forcing the flight to land in Togo.
Subsequently, another waiver for peacekeeping troops on September 10, 2025, allowed the flight to land at 1:25 a.m. and depart at 3:25 a.m. successfully.
GACL has since cautioned that “such requests require contractors to halt operations, demobilise equipment, and remobilise afterward,” resulting in cost overruns and potential delays.
“If repeated, these disruptions could push the project completion beyond the March 2027 deadline, affecting airport efficiency and operational safety,” a source speaking on condition of anonymity told GhanaWeb.
The airport management emphasised its commitment to completing all critical infrastructure projects, including the runway repair, to safeguard passengers and ensure smooth airport operations.
