Domestic airline Starbow has suspended its operations with immediate effect.

The suspension follows Saturday’s accident at the Kotoka International Airport involving one of its aircraft, ATR72-500 with registration 9G-SBF.

The Kumasi bound aircraft, skidded off the tarmac shortly after it took off.

Even though all 63 passengers and five crew members disembarked, at least five passengers sustained minor injuries.

All five were treated at the Airport Clinic, a statement released by the airline said.

Another joint statement issued by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said one person had sustained a minor injury and was under investigation.

The two institutions however promised to conduct a thorough investigation to find out the cause of the accident.

Ahead of the investigation, CEO of Starbow James Antwi said in a statement:

“All of us at Starbow at this time remain dedicated to our guests, our crew and their families. Their safety and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and we will cooperate fully with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and other agencies, to determine the cause of this incident. We hope to be able to provide further information in due course’.

The company has therefore taken a decision to suspend operations at least for now.

“Guests with future reservations are invited to contact the airline at 024 500 0000 to make alternative travel arrangements,” the statement said.

Read Full statement

Starbow S9 104 Incident at Accra, Kotoka International Airport

Everyone at Starbow wishes to express their sincere regret for the distress experienced by our guests on Flight S9 104 on 25 November 2017 at 12:45, local time.

The service, operated by ATR72-500 (registration 9G-SBF), was a scheduled flight from Accra to Kumasi.

All 65 guests and five crew disembarked, as normal, though five guests were treated for minor injuries at the Airport Clinic.  The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has begun an investigation into the incident. 

Eric Antwi, Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘All of us at Starbow at this time remain dedicated to our guests, our crew and their families. Their safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do, and we will cooperate fully with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and other agencies, to determine the cause of this incident. We hope to be able to provide further information in due course’.

Starbow has suspended its operations with immediate effect and guests with future reservations are invited to contact the airline at 024 500 0000 to make alternative travel arrangements.