KIA Terminal 3 Opens to International Flights

The Terminal Three project of the Kotoka International Airport, KIA has been formally opened to the air travelling public

The opening of the ultra-modern terminal saw hundreds of passengers in both arrival and departures departments of the terminal go through what many say is a rather smooth and stress-free procedure.

Airport operator and manager Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) broke ground on the construction of its flagship project (Terminal 3) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in March 2016.

The project is a part of GACL’s capital investment program that entails the construction of a new terminal at KIA, the only international airport in the country, and the rehabilitation of other regional airports managed by GACL.

Terminal 3 has been lauded as one of the ultra-modern terminals in the world. According to Mr. John Dekyem Attafuah (Managing Director of GACL), he is confident the terminal will expand the airline industry and further boost trade and investments in the country.

“Overall, we did 36 tests and simulations with airlines live. We have checked in passengers over time just to ensure that we get a good grasp of the new system in place,” he said.

The new terminal comprises of five levels spread across an area of 48,268m² and semi closed areas for the Baggage Make-up Areas of 28,260m².

It also boasts ultra-modern facilities and the capacity to handle 5 million passengers a year; capacity to process 1,250 passengers per hour; six boarding bridges; 7 links (expandable to 8 in the future); a large retail area (7000m²), CIP terminal and 707 Car parking slots and a new Road network.

The $250 million T3 project is expected to be officially commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on October 2, 2018.

Passengers both in the arrival and departure halls of the new terminal expressed their excitement about the new facilities at the airport.

Mr Daniel Amartey, one of the many passengers, said: “I am very impressed with the way things are handled here. The airport is beautiful. Both the men and women who took care of me were very polite and good looking. Congratulations for building an airport like this.”