Some operators in Ghana’s Travel and Tour industry have welcome the news of the possible reopening of the Kotoka International Airport for international air travels on September 1, 2020.
President Nana Akufo-Addo announced a possible reopening of the air borders in his latest update on the country’s fight against the Coronavirus pandemic last Sunday, August 16, 2020
According to him, this will be based on engagements by the Aviation Ministry and Health Ministry as well as other stakeholders to assess the country’s readiness for international air travel.
The Chief Executive Officer of Country Links Travel and Tour, Joyce Obeng, told Citi Business News that the industry was prepared for the months ahead.
“We’re all happy to welcome 1st September because we have a lot in the pipeline to serve our clients. I had a call from one organization that I should prepare a package to Dubai and Singapore in December and I’ve already done that. Even this morning most of my clients are calling to me to check if tickets are available to buy,” she said.
According to the industry players, they will soon begin talks with country managers of these international airlines to determine when operations will be in full force with COVID-19 safety protocols to be observed.
“I always call some of the country managers to find out what is going on and they keep telling me we should hold on till the President speaks and now that the President has spoken, I’m waiting for their email to find out what they have for us,” she added.
Background
Ghana’s main Airport, the Kotoka International Airport, has been closed to passenger flights since March 22 although cargo transport is allowed as well as special passenger services such as the evacuation of Ghanaians outside the country.
This left the sector, in which Ghana’s Travel and Tour industry finds itself, as one of the most affected by the Coronavirus.
The industry, which is a link between travellers and airlines has seen a massive dip in business since March 2020.
