The first direct international commercial flight from Gatwick Airport in London landed in Kumasi, at the Prempeh I International Airport on Friday morning.
The Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH8719 is the first International flight to land at the airport after it attained international status.
It is following a collaboration between the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) with Ethiopian Airlines for direct flights between London Gatwick Airport and Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport (PIA).
The first flight was expected on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, but it was rescheduled to Friday, December 6, 2024.
It represents a step towards improving air connectivity between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
The initial flight saw the flight departing London Gatwick at 2:10 AM and arriving at Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport at 9:05 AM. The flight returns to London Gatwick.
An additional flight is scheduled for December 15, 2024, to accommodate the busy Christmas travel period. Further schedules are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Airport Company (GACL), Yvonne Opare speaking at the arrival of the maiden direct flight said "the feedback that we are getting shows that there is excitement. People just wanted to make sure that this actually happens so that it will bolster their confidence. So I am very positive that going forward we will see more of this."
She urged travelers to buy tickets, book flights, make reservations "so that we can continue this good initiative for Asanteman and Ghana."
This new route is expected to enhance travel convenience for residents of the Ashanti Region and surrounding areas while fostering greater economic and cultural ties between Ghana and the UK.
The initiative reflects GACL’s commitment to expanding Ghana’s aviation network and providing efficient international travel options.