KIA Terminal 3 opens to international flights

The Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport became fully operational on Saturday, September 15, 2018 following the completion of tests and simulation exercises by the Ghana Airport Ghana Limited.

The Managing Director of Ghana Airport Company, Mr. John Denkyem Attafuah explained that the new terminal had gone through more than 36 tests and simulations which gave the contractors of the facility the opportunity to readjust some of the systems in order to serve customers better.

“Overall, we did 36 tests and simulations with airlines live. We have checked in passengers over time just to ensure that we get a good grasp of the new system in place”.

Speaking to the media after a tour of the facility, the new Minister of Aviation, Kofi Adda said he was hopeful that Terminal 3 will play an important role in the aviation industry.

“What we see is top-class comparable to any that you see in any part of the world; professionally done, neat, the markings are there to show directions to whatever service one would want to patronize.”

The opening of the ultra-modern terminal saw hundreds of passengers in both arrival and departures departments of the terminal go through what many say is a rather smooth and stress-free procedure.

The $250 million T3 project is expected to be officially commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on October 2, 2018.

The new terminal comprises of five levels spread across an area of 48,268m² and semiclosed areas for the Baggage Make-up Areas of 28,260m², Ultra Modern facilities and capacity to handle 5 million passengers a year; capacity to process 1,250 passengers per hour; six boarding bridges; 7 links (expandable to 8 in the future); Large retail area (7000m²), CIP terminal and 707 Car parking slots and a new Road network.

Arrivals – levels 1 & 2

– 24 immigration counters,

– 4 E-gate positions, expandable to 6

– 4 inclined carousels (each 80m length) expandable to 6 in the future

The new terminal is expected to handle up to five million passengers a year.

This could, however, be expanded to 6.5 million passengers.

At peak hour, the terminal will have the capacity to process up to about 1,250 passengers.

Again, the facility has a fully automated baggage handling system for 3,500 bags an hour.