Air travellers in Ghana will now pay higher ticket prices following the introduction of a new Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), which takes effect from April 1, 2026.
The levy, implemented by the Ministry of Transport, applies to all tickets issued from the effective date and is aimed at funding major aviation infrastructure projects across the country.
Under the new policy, international passengers will pay an additional $50 per ticket.
Travellers within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will incur a $15 charge, while other African routes will attract a $30 levy. Domestic fares are also expected to rise by approximately GH¢100.
However, infants, diplomats, and on-duty airline crew are exempt from the charge.
The introduction of the levy is expected to push up airfares across all routes.
While long-haul flights will see a relatively smaller proportional increase, regional and domestic routes are likely to feel the impact more directly, with fare hikes ranging between $15 and $30.
In a letter dated March 30, 2026, to the Board of Airline Representatives, Ghana, the Ministry confirmed that the levy will be applied to both domestic and international passengers.
The policy is projected to generate about $800 million over a ten-year period, with funds managed by the Ministry of Transport.
A key project under the initiative is the construction of a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport.
The project is expected to resolve operational inefficiencies caused by the separation of the terminals and improve passenger transfers.
Officials say the broader infrastructure plan will enhance efficiency, strengthen Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub, and allow more flexible use of airport facilities for domestic, regional, and international travel.
Beyond Accra, the programme includes significant upgrades to regional airports. Planned developments include a multi-storey car park at Terminal 3, a new terminal and runway extension at Wa Airport, a proposed greenfield airport in Bolgatanga, and a new terminal with an air traffic control tower at Sunyani Airport.
The Sunyani facility will also see a runway extension to accommodate larger aircraft, a move expected to boost domestic air travel.
The new levy comes at a time when airlines are already adjusting fares in response to rising aviation fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Industry analysts warn that if fully implemented, Ghana could move from ninth to third among African countries with the highest airport charges.
