The Airport Infrastructure Development Levy is necessary to finance critical upgrades at the Accra International Airport and prevent a decline in service standards, Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), James Agalga, has said.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Agalga said growing congestion and ageing infrastructure have made urgent investment unavoidable, warning that delays could undermine the airport’s position as one of the leading aviation hubs in the sub-region.
He cited traffic congestion around the airport as one of the immediate challenges requiring intervention.
“Look, there was a day I nearly missed my flight because of the congestion.
"I had to disembark and run with my baggage. If I had stayed in the car, I would have missed my flight.” - James Agalga
According to him, the levy will help fund a multi-storey car park and other traffic management improvements to ease pressure on airport access routes.
Runway and apron works seen as critical
Mr Agalga said beyond congestion, major operational infrastructure such as the runway, apron and sewage treatment plant require urgent rehabilitation.
“If we don’t do the runway overlay, the status of Accra International Airport will be downgraded. Today, we are among the very best in the sub-region.” - James Agalga
He noted that the airport remains strategically important to regional and international aviation, with some large aircraft operators preferring Accra because of its location and connectivity.
Public concerns over ticket costs
The levy, which has recently been introduced on both domestic and international flights, has drawn criticism from sections of the public over its impact on airfares.
However, Mr Agalga argued that the measure is intended to support long-delayed capital projects that are essential to sustaining airport operations and improving passenger experience.
He explained that proceeds from the levy would be channelled into projects including runway overlays, expansion of the northern apron and the construction of a connecting concourse.
The GACL chairman added that several of the projects had stalled over the years due to the heavy subsidisation of airport operations, limiting the company’s ability to independently finance large-scale improvements.
His remarks come as government faces increasing pressure to modernise aviation infrastructure while balancing rising concerns over the cost of travel.
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