Domestic Airfares Rise Following New Airport Infrastructure Levy
By Joyce Ayine
Domestic air travellers in Ghana will face higher ticket prices following fare adjustments announced by two major local airlines, in line with the introduction of the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), a government-backed levy designed to fund airport upgrades across the country.
The AIDC officially took effect on April 1, 2026, as part of a broader policy initiative to generate dedicated resources for the modernization of airport facilities under the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and the Ministry of Transport.
In a public notice, PassionAir confirmed that it will add a GHC100 one-way charge to all applicable domestic passenger fares. “In line with the Government of Ghana’s policy on airport infrastructure modernization, PassionAir wishes to inform the public and our valued customers of the introduction of the Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) by GACL. This levy of GHC100 (one-way) will be incorporated into all domestic fares effective 1 April 2026,” the airline said, adding that the charge will apply to all tickets issued from that date.
Similarly, Africa World Airlines (AWA) also announced upward adjustments in fares, attributing the increase to the same government directive. In a statement, AWA said: “Africa World Airlines wishes to officially inform the public and our valued passengers of an upward adjustment to published fares for all tickets issued on or after 1 April 2026. The adjustment follows the implementation of the newly approved Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC), a Government of Ghana policy directive, supported by law through the Ministry of Transport.”
AWA explained that the levy will see domestic fares rise by GHC100, while regional routes will incur an additional US$15 per ticket. Both airlines stressed that the increase is a direct pass-through of the policy-mandated levy and is not an arbitrary fare hike.
Officials say the AIDC is expected to provide a steady stream of funding to support airport facility improvements, including runway upgrades, terminal expansions, and other critical infrastructure projects. The initiative is part of the government’s long-term strategy to modernize Ghana’s aviation sector, enhance passenger experience, and meet international safety and operational standards.
Passengers flying on domestic routes should anticipate the higher ticket costs, which reflect the new infrastructure levy aimed at sustaining and improving the nation’s airport network.
The move is widely seen as necessary for maintaining and upgrading aviation infrastructure while ensuring that the financial burden is shared equitably among users of the facilities.
