The new service will add another East African carrier to Accra’s international aviation network, bringing the number of East Africa-based airlines serving Accra International Airport to four.

Beyond the new route, passengers will be able to connect to 19 destinations across 14 countries, including Nairobi, London, Dubai, Mumbai and Zanzibar.

Euroworld Air Services Limited will serve as Uganda Airlines’ General Sales Agent in Ghana.

The launch comes amid growing efforts by African airlines to improve intra-continental connections and reduce reliance on indirect routes through Europe and the Middle East. More convenient air links could help businesses connect with new markets, facilitate commercial travel and encourage tourism between the two regions.

For Ghana, the new route offers an additional gateway to East Africa, improving access for traders, investors and tourists seeking opportunities across the continent.

For Ugandan businesses and travellers, Accra provides access to one of West Africa’s key commercial centres, with opportunities for partnerships in sectors including trade, services and tourism.

Stronger air links could support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by making business travel and the movement of people between African markets more efficient. Improved connectivity can also help tourism operators develop multi-country travel packages, encourage investment and strengthen commercial relationships.

With its October 27 launch approaching, Uganda Airlines’ entry into Accra adds momentum to efforts to build a more connected African aviation market, linking Ghana more directly with East Africa and expanding travel options for passengers and businesses on both sides of the continent.

Ghana could have a national airline back in the skies within 18 months, according to global aerospace company Boeing, as discussions intensify over the revival of the country’s national carrier.

The indication followed high-level discussions between President John Dramani Mahama and senior Boeing executives in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Boeing expressed its readiness to work with the Ghanaian government on the proposed national carrier, indicating that an 18-month timeline could be achievable if the necessary structures and implementation arrangements are put in place.

President Mahama, however, said Ghana’s plans extend beyond acquiring aircraft for a new national airline.

Ghana does not want its relationship with Boeing to be defined simply by the purchase of aircraft. We want a strategic partnership that helps us build an aviation ecosystem—creating skilled jobs, transferring technology, strengthening our industrial base and positioning Ghana as an aviation and logistics hub for West Africa,” he said.

He said the government was looking for strategic partners capable of supporting Ghana’s efforts to build local capacity and attract investment.

As we Reset Ghana, we are looking for partners prepared to invest with us, build capacity with us and share in the prosperity we create. Boeing can be one of those strategic partners,” President Mahama added.

Beyond the national carrier

The discussions focused on a broader aviation partnership that could support the establishment of the national carrier while developing the infrastructure, technical expertise and human capital needed to strengthen Ghana’s aviation industry.

One of the proposals under consideration is the establishment of a regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Ghana to serve airlines operating across West Africa and other parts of the continent.

An MRO facility would provide services such as aircraft maintenance, repairs and technical inspections, potentially reducing the need for airlines in the region to send aircraft abroad for some maintenance services.

The talks also covered aviation training, skills development, technology transfer and the creation of high-value jobs for young Ghanaians.

Aviation and logistics hub

The proposed partnership forms part of President Mahama’s broader Reset Ghana agenda, which seeks to attract strategic international investment and strengthen Ghana’s position as a gateway for trade, aviation and logistics in West Africa.

For now, Boeing’s 18-month indication provides a potential timeline for the return of a national carrier, but achieving that timeline will depend on the government establishing the required institutional, financial and operational arrangements.

The proposed partnership could also extend beyond the airline itself to include aviation maintenance, training, technology and other activities across the aviation value chain.

Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, said the Authority was hopeful that the airlines would successfully complete the required certification process and join existing domestic operators.

Speaking on the PM Express Business Edition hosted by George Wiafe on September 24, 2026, Rev. Arthur said the prospective operators were currently going through the five phases of certification required by the aviation regulator.

We still have that hope that those currently going through the five phases of certification could be completed on time for them to join the current operators,” he said.

According to him, the entry of additional airlines could increase competition, provide passengers with more travel options and potentially contribute to lower domestic airfares.

“We are hopeful when all these players come on board, that could go a long way to reduce fares and bring on board the required options for consumers within Ghana,” he added.

Safety remains priority

Rev. Arthur stressed that while the GCAA was encouraging new operators to enter the domestic aviation market, safety would not be compromised in the process.

He said the Authority’s responsibility was to ensure that all prospective airlines met the required regulatory and safety standards before being allowed to commence operations.

Ghana currently has two airlines operating in the domestic aviation market, compared with previous periods when about five carriers operated on domestic routes.

Rev. Arthur said the collapse or exit of some airlines could not be attributed solely to regulation and taxation, pointing instead to a combination of business and operational challenges.

We could look at lack of capital, boardroom wranglings, corporate governance issues and possibly cost of aviation fuel,” he said.

High domestic airfares

On concerns over high domestic airfares, Rev. Arthur said the GCAA could not directly dictate how airlines priced their tickets because fares were largely influenced by market conditions.

However, he said effective regulation and increased competition could help create conditions for more competitive fares.

It will be difficult for the regulator to direct the airline on how to price their tickets, but we believe that with effective regulation, competition and market forces, that could help to reduce prices,” he said.

He also disclosed that government had recently removed duties and taxes on spare parts for domestic airlines as part of measures aimed at reducing the cost of operating in the sector.

According to him, reducing operational costs would help create a more favourable environment for domestic carriers and encourage investment in the industry.

Improving aviation business environment

Rev. Arthur said the GCAA was also working to improve the broader business environment within the aviation sector to attract more operators.

He noted that government had invested significantly in aviation infrastructure across the country, making it important to ensure that the infrastructure supported increased passenger movement and economic activity.

We are also working to improve the economy around this aviation infrastructure that government is building in the country,” he said.

He added that attracting more airlines and expanding domestic air travel would help maximise the benefits of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Because we cannot develop all these infrastructures and at the end of the day it is very difficult for people to fly in the country,” he said.

Air Uganda is expected to commence operations to Ghana in October 2026, while Etihad Airways is scheduled to begin operations in March 2027.

Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Afriyie Opare, disclosed this at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.

According to her, the entry of the two airlines will strengthen Ghana’s connectivity with key destinations and contribute to the steady growth of operations at the airport.

In October this year [2026], we’ll be welcoming Air Uganda and in March of next year [2027], we’ll be welcoming Etihad Airways. This speaks to the steady growth of operations at the Accra International Airport,” she said.

Opare said the planned expansion of airport infrastructure was necessary to meet the growing demand for air travel and improve the overall passenger experience.

The Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex is expected to expand the airport’s facilities by providing additional parking capacity and accommodation for passengers, airline crew and other airport users.

The project will form part of efforts to modernise the airport and improve the services and facilities available to travellers as passenger traffic continues to grow.

The agreement, signed in Accra, provides a framework for the two airlines to integrate their networks. Once implemented, Etihad passengers will be able to book a single ticket beyond Accra to destinations across Ghana and West Africa served by Africa World Airlines. Likewise, AWA customers will gain seamless access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network of 118 destinations.

Beyond passenger travel, the partnership will also strengthen cargo operations by linking Ghanaian and West African exporters to Etihad Cargo’s global network. The airlines also plan to collaborate on loyalty programmes, allowing members of both carriers to earn and redeem rewards across their respective networks.

The agreement comes amid growing trade, investment and diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, alongside increasing travel demand between Accra and Abu Dhabi. The airlines say the partnership lays the foundation for stronger commercial links between the two markets.

The Memorandum of Understanding took effect on July 24, 2026, with implementation of the various areas of cooperation to be rolled out in phases. The partnership also paves the way for Etihad’s planned Abu Dhabi–Accra service, scheduled to commence on March 24, 2027. Combined itineraries will go on sale once the interline agreement becomes operational.

Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, Arik De said: “Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, and Africa World Airlines is the natural partner there. This framework spans passenger services, cargo and loyalty, and it will connect Ghanaian travellers and  businesses to Abu Dhabi and to our network across the world’s fastest-growing markets. We are here to grow with Ghana.”

Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, Sohail Mahmood said: “Africa World Airlines has proudly connected Ghana and West Africa for more than a decade, with a network that includes Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou. This partnership with Etihad Airways across passenger, cargo and loyalty will give our customers direct access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s expansive global network, while creating greater opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and international businesses.”

Officials said further details on the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty arrangements will be announced as each phase of the partnership is implemented.

The upgraded technology is expected to streamline security checks by allowing passengers to keep laptops and other large electronic devices in their cabin baggage during screening, eliminating the need to remove them manually.

Under the new system, passengers will also no longer be required to remove shoes and belts during routine screening unless they are selected for additional checks through security profiling.

GACL explained that the new equipment will also permit passengers to keep liquids, aerosols and gels in their cabin baggage during screening, although existing aviation security regulations remain in force. The company stressed that liquids above 100 millilitres per container are still prohibited in cabin baggage.

The upgrade further includes the installation of an Automatic Tray Return System, which is expected to accelerate the screening process by ensuring quicker return of trays to passengers after checks, allowing them to repack their belongings more efficiently.

GACL said the transition to the new screening system will be implemented in phases alongside existing equipment and procedures to ensure uninterrupted airport operations.

The company urged passengers and other stakeholders to cooperate with airport officials as the new technology is rolled out.

The company’s advisory comes at a time when visa application volumes across several markets continue to rise, particularly around peak travel periods for students, families, organised groups, corporate travellers, sports teams, and delegations. With this increased demand, applicants are encouraged to plan early, rely only on official information, and avoid third parties who claim to influence appointments or visa decisions.

“Trust is central to the visa application experience. At VFS Global, our role is to provide applicants with a secure, transparent, and well-managed administrative process on behalf of our client governments. We strongly encourage residents in Ghana to use only official VFS Global channels, avoid intermediaries who make false promises, and plan their applications well in advance. Our continued focus is on supporting governments and applicants through responsible processes, strong anti-fraud measures, and services that help facilitate travel from Ghana in a safe and reliable manner,” said Prashant Kansara, Regional Head for Central & West Africa at VFS Global.

Strengthening applicant protection and anti-fraud awareness

VFS Global continues to run applicant-awareness initiatives to help residents identify and avoid fraudulent practices. Applicants are reminded that visa appointments are booked through official channels and that no agent, employee, or third party can guarantee an earlier appointment, faster processing, or a positive visa decision.

Fraudsters often misuse company names, logos, social media listings, search engine pages, or unofficial contact numbers to mislead applicants. VFS Global urges residents to verify information only through the official website, www.vfsglobal.com, and to report suspicious activity to the company through official contact channels.

As part of its safeguards in Ghana, VFS Global has implemented measures such as appointment verification, OTP-based appointment booking, validation of application and appointment references, anti-fraud messaging across applicant touchpoints, and controlled entry into Visa Application Centres for applicants with valid appointments.

Applicants are also reminded that arriving on time for confirmed appointments, carrying the required documents, and checking official document checklists in advance can help reduce delays caused by incomplete or inaccurate submissions.

Supporting growing demand for student and group travel

Alongside its anti-fraud and applicant-awareness efforts, VFS Global has seen growing interest in organised visa submission support for groups, particularly among students, education consultants, corporate teams, sports delegations, families, and large travel groups.

Group booking support helps applicants coordinate submissions in a more structured manner, especially when several travellers are applying around the same timelines. This can be particularly helpful during peak student mobility seasons, major sporting or cultural events, corporate travel programmes, and family travel periods.

The service is designed to improve coordination and convenience during the administrative submission stage. It does not influence visa outcomes, appointment availability, or processing timelines, which remain under the authority of the respective governments.

Testimonial From The Office Of The Paramount Chief Of Gbese (The Adonten Of The Ga State) For A Group Booking Service

“We write to express our profound gratitude to the management and staff of the VFS Global, Accra, Ghana, for your stupendous professionalism towards our visa application process for the firstever Gbese Mantse Homowo Festival and Business Summit in the Netherlands from 26-28, September 2025. The collection of our application process from HRM’s office baffled the minds of the Chiefs and Queens who expressed their joy, having experienced the visa application process in their comfort zone for the first time. One of the chiefs who has worked in a senior management position for over 30 years in one of the mining companies in Ghana stated; “for many years of travels around the world, this is the first time my visa application has been collected at a location other than the Embassy or the VFS Centre. I am really impressed.” Your methodical guidance, humility, respect for the elderly and appreciation of our cultural norms ensured our overwhelming success in the issuance of our visas. This historic event would not have been possible without you. We thank you.” His Royal Majesty Nil (Dr.) Ayl-Bonte I, Paramount ChiEf of Gbese and Adonten of the Ga State

Optional services remain applicant-led and transparent 

VFS Global also offers certain optional services, where approved by client governments, to support applicants who may require additional convenience during the submission process. These may include assisted form-filling, courier return of passports, SMS notifications, Premium Lounge access, or mobile submission support such as Visa At Your Doorstep, depending on the country of application and service availability.

These services are entirely optional, transparently priced, and have no bearing on the outcome or processing time of a visa application. Applicants may complete the standard visa application process without purchasing any optional service.

VFS Global maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards coercion, misrepresentation, fraud, or unethical conduct. Any allegation of misconduct is reviewed under the company’s governance and compliance processes.

VFS Global has been operating in Ghana since 2005 and currently services 19 client governments through a network of 23 Application Centres which are operated by a strong workforce of around 100 Ghanian nationals.

This reaffirms the airline’s long-term commitment to Ghana and supports the country’s growing demand for travel and global connectivity.

The new service will complement Emirates’ existing daily operation and the sustained growth in air travel demand to and from Accra, which continues to experience high year-round seat occupancy.

From 12 July, Emirates’ direct service, operating as EK789, will depart Dubai at 03:30hrs, arriving in Accra at 07:40 (GMT); the return flight, EK790, will depart Accra at 10:25 (GMT), arriving in Dubai at 22:40hrs.

These flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER and will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The new service is optimally timed to connect travellers from Accra to key commercial and tourist hubs, including Beijing, Seoul, Sydney, Perth, Mumbai, Singapore, New York JFK and Jeddah.

The newly added service will also offer travellers a more convenient option to connect to Accra via Dubai, mainly from points such as Delhi, Boston, Los Angeles and gateways across Germany and the UK.

Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates retail offices as well as online and offline travel agents.

Salem Almana, Emirates’ Country Manager, Ghana, said, “For more than two decades, Emirates has proudly connected Ghana to the world.

The introduction of this additional service demonstrates our continued confidence in the Ghanaian market and our commitment to supporting the country’s growing travel needs.

“Beyond providing greater convenience for our customers, this expansion will strengthen business, tourism and trade links between Ghana and key markets across our global network, while contributing to the continued growth of Ghana’s aviation sector.

Through Dubai, travellers will enjoy seamless access to close to 140 destinations worldwide, while visitors from around the world will have even greater opportunities to experience Ghana.”

With the introduction of flights EK789/EK790 from 12 July, Emirates will serve Ghana with 11 weekly flights operated by its widebody Boeing 777-300ER, offering customers 8 private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.

It has warned that the measures contradict agreed regional reforms and could undermine West Africa’s air transport sector.

In a sharply worded letter signed by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, the regional body says Ghana’s new charges go against a binding decision aimed at reducing the cost of air travel across member states.

The letter refers to Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24, under which ECOWAS leaders agreed to abolish several air transport-related taxes, including ticket taxes, tourism levies, solidarity taxes and overseas travel taxes, effective January 2026.

It also notes that member states agreed to reduce key aviation charges such as Passenger Service Charges and security fees to make air travel more affordable and improve regional integration.

ECOWAS said the reforms were backed by international aviation bodies and driven by concerns that West Africa remains one of the most expensive regions for air travel charges globally.

But the Commission says Ghana has moved in the opposite direction.

The ECOWAS Commission has therefore noted with concern that the Government of Ghana… imposed a new security charge of $18 on return ticket effective February 1st 2026,” the letter stated.

It further cited an additional levy.

Ghana Airport Company Limited has as of 1st April 2026, imposed an Airport Infrastructure Development Levy of $100 on return international travel.”

The Commission warned that these measures directly contradict the regional agreement and international aviation principles.

“Ghana’s imposition of those additional levies directly contravenes the letter and spirit of the afore-mentioned ECOWAS Supplementary Act,” it said.

ECOWAS also linked the issue to global aviation standards, referencing International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines discouraging excessive taxation on air transport.

The letter warned that the new charges risk worsening affordability for passengers already affected by rising aviation fuel costs.

Rendering air travel unaffordable for many Ghanaians and West African travellers alike,” it stated.

It argued that while such charges may be presented as revenue measures, they are ultimately counterproductive.

“This situation is not boosting growth in demand for Air Transport in our region, but rather stifling passenger travel,” the Commission warned.

ECOWAS also pointed to weak passenger performance across major West African airports, including Accra, Lagos, Abidjan and Dakar, blaming high taxes for suppressed demand despite strong population potential.

“The major cause of suppressed demand in the ECOWAS Region” is “over taxation and excessive charges,” it said.

The Commission further cautioned that continued reliance on such charges could shift traffic away from the region.

“The continued taxation of the Air Transport sector will only divert regional traffic to competing hubs,” it warned.

ECOWAS is now urging Ghana to reverse course.

In light of the foregoing, the ECOWAS Commission urges the Government of Ghana to immediately suspend the newly imposed charges,” the letter stated.

It also encouraged Ghana to explore alternative financing models for aviation infrastructure, including private-sector partnerships and support from development banks.

The issue is expected to form part of a regional review, with ECOWAS confirming it will present a progress report on implementation at upcoming ministerial and summit meetings.

In a press release issued on April 28, 2026 and copied to Business Week Ghana, the Ministry of Transport Ghana announced that a dedicated task force has begun engaging potential partners through a structured selection process aimed at identifying a qualified strategic investor.

The proposed national carrier is expected to operate from Accra and serve as a hub for both regional and intercontinental travel, with a focus on commercial viability, global competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and competitiveness in the selection process.

The Government of Ghana looks forward to engaging credible proponents for this initiative,” he stated.

According to the Ministry, interested partners must be established airline operators, subsidiaries, or authorized consortia with proven expertise in airline management, route development, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, prospective investors are expected to demonstrate strong financial capacity and present viable business strategies aligned with the government’s vision.

The selected strategic partner will hold a majority equity stake in the new airline, which is expected to operate a full-service long-haul network to destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, alongside regional routes designed to enhance connectivity and offer competitive fares.

The airline will also include an integrated cargo division to support trade and logistics, as well as a phased fleet acquisition plan targeting initial operations by the first quarter of 2027.

The proposed National Airline shall be developed as a commercially viable, internationally competitive and sustainable carrier,” the Ministry noted.

The engagement process will involve three rounds of interaction with shortlisted investors, culminating in the selection of a preferred partner.

Interested parties have until May 29, 2026, to submit proposals to the task force under the Ministry of Transport.