By Issah Olegor
Air travelers in Ghana are set to pay more for flights following the introduction of a new Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), a policy linked to the government’s ongoing airport modernisation agenda.
Domestic airlines PassionAir and AWA have formally notified the public that the charge, introduced by the Ghana Airports Company Limited, will take effect from April 1, 2026, and will be incorporated into ticket prices as a statutory tax.
Under the new directive, passengers on domestic routes will pay an additional GH₵100 per one-way ticket, a move airline officials say is in line with regulatory requirements aimed at supporting infrastructure development across the country’s airports.
The charge will apply to all tickets issued from the effective date.
The introduction of the levy forms part of a broader government strategy under President John Dramani Mahama to mobilise funding for the expansion and modernisation of aviation infrastructure.
Over the years, Ghana has invested significantly in upgrading key facilities, including terminal expansions and improvements in regional airports, to position the country as a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.
Beyond domestic travel, the new charges extend to regional and international flights.
Passengers on regional routes will pay $30 for one-way tickets and $70 for return trips, while international travelers will be charged $50 for one-way tickets and $150 for return journeys.
These fees are expected to be integrated into airfare structures across airlines operating in Ghana.
Industry observers note that while the levy could help generate critical funding for infrastructure projects, it may also increase the cost of air travel at a time when passengers are already grappling with rising transport expenses.
Similar levies have been introduced in the past to support aviation development, often sparking debate over their impact on passenger traffic and airline competitiveness.
In a public notice, PassionAir explained that the AIDC is specifically intended to support ongoing and future airport projects nationwide, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving safety, efficiency, and capacity within the aviation sector.
The policy reflects a growing trend among governments to explore alternative funding mechanisms for large-scale infrastructure, particularly in sectors like aviation where expansion demands significant capital investment.
