The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has started taking major steps towards 'going live' with the new Kotoka International Airport (KIA) terminal three. 

On Friday, two aircrafts docked at the new terminal.

Airlines Delta Air and South Africa Airways landed at the new terminal three with passengers from the United States for operational tests of the new aerobridges.

According to GACL, the two airlines voluntarily offered the use of their aircraft as part of the initial operational trials.

The first full-scale simulation exercise for terminal 3 is scheduled to take place on Saturday with about 1000 volunteers. 

They have all been briefed regarding the various roles they will perform.

Passenger numbers

The new terminal is expected to handle up to five million passengers a year, with an expansion potential of up to 6.5 million passengers.

At peak hour, the terminal will have the capacity to process up to about 1,250 passengers. A fully automated baggage handling system will also handle 3,500 bags an hour.

The facility will also hold a large retail and commercial area, three business lounges, six fixed links and seven air bridges expandable to eight, and parking space with capacity to handle more than 700 cars.

The airport expansion supports the government's ambition to make Ghana a regional aviation hub.

Details

KIA’s Terminal 3 is a monumental feat of engineering. It has five levels spread across 45,000 square meters and has parking space for 700 cars.

It has six contact stands for Code E aircraft and two remote stands.

At the Departure level, it has 56 check-in desks, 30 passport control centres and eight security lanes.

At the Arrival level, it has 24 immigration counters, four e-gate positions [expandable to eight] and four reclaim devices.

The terminal is equipped with a fully automated baggage handling system to handle both destination and transit luggage at 3,500 bags an hour.

It has been constructed on a design and build basis by Turkish construction company, Mapa Construction MNH Holdings.