The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in partnership with the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), has announced an extension of operational hours at both the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi and the Tamale International Airport.
The changes, effective June 1, 2025, are aimed at enhancing the efficiency and capacity of domestic air travel across the country.
According to a public notice signed jointly by the GCAA and GACL, the new hours for Prempeh I International Airport have been extended to 11:00 p.m., up from the previous closing time of 8:00 p.m., while Tamale International Airport will now operate until 10:00 p.m., compared to its previous 6:00 p.m. limit.
The aviation authorities confirmed that “a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued by Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to all airlines,” officially informing carriers of the operational shift. The new schedule has been designed to accommodate increasing demand for evening flights and to offer greater flexibility for domestic carriers.
In the joint announcement, GCAA and GACL stated: “Domestic Airlines have been advised to increase their frequency to/from both airports.” This directive is expected to enhance the scheduling options available to travelers and reduce congestion during peak hours, particularly on popular routes between Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.
The Kumasi and Tamale airports are among Ghana’s busiest after Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The extended hours at both facilities are likely to alleviate traffic pressure on the capital’s airport while encouraging economic activity and regional integration across Ashanti and Northern regions.
The notice further instructed, “The general public is advised to take note of the extension and be guided accordingly.” Passengers planning domestic travel in and out of Kumasi and Tamale are therefore expected to check with their airlines for updated flight schedules in accordance with the new operational windows.
This development forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Transport, GCAA, and GACL to strengthen Ghana’s domestic aviation infrastructure. Both Prempeh I and Tamale International Airports have undergone significant upgrades in recent years, including runway expansions, terminal improvements, and enhanced security systems, setting the stage for increased utilization.
The move also aligns with the government’s strategic aviation goals, which includes bolstering intra-national air connectivity and fostering regional trade. The Ghana Airports Company has in the past reiterated its commitment to optimizing airport usage nationwide as a catalyst for development.
The GCAA and GACL’s combined communication underscores a unified national approach to aviation policy and logistical enhancement. By signaling to domestic airlines to increase frequency and to travelers to adjust their itineraries, the two agencies are setting the tone for a more robust and responsive air transport sector.
Industry observers anticipate that the evening flight slots may soon be populated with additional services, especially from operators already servicing the key routes. This would be particularly beneficial to business travelers and commuters who need to travel after conventional working hours.
Moreover, the extended hours could support tourism and hospitality growth in the Ashanti and Northern regions, by offering more arrival and departure time options for both local and foreign visitors. The announcement of the operational hour extension also coincides with broader national efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, including road, rail, and aviation networks.
By issuing the NOTAM to all relevant airline operators ahead of the effective date, GCAA ensures adequate preparation time for carriers to revise flight plans and staffing schedules. This procedural compliance reflects Ghana’s commitment to international aviation standards and operational safety.
As the travel public adjusts to the revised schedules, the extended hours at Prempeh I and Tamale airports are expected to create a ripple effect of improved service delivery, economic opportunities, and greater regional access. The aviation authorities have emphasized their continued vigilance and coordination with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this new schedule.
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