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

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.

Speaking to Joy Business at the Departures hall of Terminal 3, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), John Dekyem Attafuah says the T3 by all standards, was now fully completed and ready for use.

“We’ve had two major simulations where we have put in about 2000 passengers on each occasion. We’ve evaluated, debriefed and made the necessary corrections and finally, today is here! It’s been fantastic. Everybody who’s been through here has been excited about this,” he revealed to Joy Business.

Terminal 3 has been lauded as one of the ultra-modern terminals in the world. According to Mr Attafuah, he is confident the terminal will expand the airline industry and further boost trade and investments in the country.

“I think it’s going to drive the economy. The aviation sector has always had a positive impact on GDP. We are hoping from this achievement, we should be able to attract more airlines into our airspace. We also expect that those who are here will increase their frequencies and make this sector take its right position,” he added.

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

Project details of Terminal 3

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

- A fully automated baggage handling system designed in accordance with the latest European Civil Aviation Conference Hold Baggage Screening (ECAC HBS) requirements expected to handle 3000 bags per hour.

- Meeters and Greeters Area

Departures – level 3

- 56 check-in desks

- Self service

- immigration

- Ivalidate

- 26 passport control counters,  with 4 e-gate positions

- 8 central screening security lanes.

- 22 Airline Ticketing Offices

- Prescreening area

- 1 Business lounge

- 6No. Boarding Gates and 2No. Bus Boarding Lounges

- Mezzanine floor – level 4

- Food court

- Business lounges – Level 5

- 2 large Business lounges