By Daniel Bampoe
A looming crisis in Ghana’s aviation sector has materialized, as domestic airline PassionAir has announced widespread flight disruptions due to an acute shortage of aviation fuel affecting Accra and Kumasi.
The airline confirmed the cancellations through a public statement issued on July 23, 2025, warning of significant operational challenges expected to last until Sunday, July 27.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had earlier issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on July 22, alerting stakeholders in the aviation industry about an anticipated shortage of Jet A1 fuel at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
The notice covers a six-day window beginning Wednesday, July 22.
Following this regulatory announcement, PassionAir, one of Ghana’s leading domestic carriers, notified the public that flights across all routes may be disrupted throughout the affected period.
The shortage has already led to cancellations, including scheduled services between Accra and Kumasi—two of the country’s busiest routes.
In a press release issued by PassionAir’s Corporate Affairs department, the airline expressed regret over the situation, stating:
“We expect significant disruptions to our flight operations across all routes during this period. We kindly advise our valued passengers and the public to stay informed by contacting our customer service team on 0800 221 221.”
Affected passengers received messages informing them of cancellations, urging them to seek updates and rebooking assistance via the airline’s customer service hotline.
The cancellations have caused widespread inconvenience, with many passengers reportedly stranded at airports without clear alternatives.
Industry insiders suggest that the fuel shortage may be linked to ongoing logistical bottlenecks, forex challenges in securing petroleum imports, or refinery capacity issues.
However, neither the GCAA nor the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued an official explanation on the underlying cause of the disruption.
This is not the first time Ghana’s aviation sector has faced such setbacks.
The recurrence of such issues is raising serious questions about the country’s aviation fuel supply chain and contingency planning.
Passenger rights advocates have called on government agencies, including the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), to take swift action to address the crisis and improve fuel reserve planning to prevent future disruptions.
As of now, PassionAir is urging passengers to remain patient and promises to provide regular updates as the situation evolves. Stakeholders fear that if the fuel supply is not stabilized soon, the ripple effect could extend to regional flights and international connections via Accra.
Meanwhile, affected travelers are left grappling with missed business appointments, canceled events, and last-minute accommodation needs—yet another reminder of the fragile infrastructure behind Ghana’s growing air travel demand.
