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Accra Airport Passenger Reviews and Accra Airport Traveller Reports
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ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 25 March 2013 by D Tan (Malaysia) |
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Rating : 3/10 |  |
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Cleanliness | |
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Recommended |  |
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Lack of air-conditioning facilities. Officers going through your bag after check in to "ensure" nothing illegal,
definitely made my luggage messy after hours of arranging and packing at my hotel. Asking passengers of
certain zone to board first, which all have to board the first bus, and other subsequent zone will board the
2nd bus. In the end, both buses arrived at the plane at the same time, making it crowded. If that is the
case, what is the point of asking passengers of certain zone to board first? Totally disappointed with the
staff/officers in the airport.
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ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 11 May 2012 by P Mayo (UK) |
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Rating : 5/10 |  |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities |  |
Recommended | |
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I think arrangements have changed since some of the earlier reviews. Go straight to your check-in desk on
arrival, or you could try the check-in machines if you have hand luggage only. From check-in go upstairs to
immigration; you need to complete a disembarkation card which is just before the immigration queue. After
queuing there, you queue again to go through security. This can take some time. Once through if travelling
business etc. there are two executive lounges the first one seems to get really crowded, last time I went
people were standing in there. If your airline or lounge card allows you to I would carry on toward gate 1 and
use the lounge there which seems more roomy comfortable and generally more tranquil.
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Accra Kotoka Airport customer review : 14 June 2010 by A Fleming (Ghana)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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| Cleanliness |
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I have been through Kotoka International Airport more times than I care to remember and the
attached domestic terminal a couple of times. Against most other African airports I have
passed through (around 30) it is at the top end and there is an evident desire to improve. The
airport is relatively small, has only two gates for international departures and there are an
ever increasing list of carriers adding Accra to their routes. Departure is not usually too
bad, security keeps the majority who may bother travellers at bay. Many first time passengers
do not realise the need to go to the extreme right end of the airport for a customs check
before going to their check in queue. This can result in additional queuing for the
uninitiated as there is no signage. There are well in excess of 20 counters so whilst it can
be crowded in the evening as others mention it is not unmanageable. Passengers must go
upstairs for immigration and here is the best eating place in the airport - the only problem
is that is security are doing their job they may not allow your friends to come and eat with
you. In this case there are a few outside eating options within a short walk of the departure
area of which Airport Landing is probably the best for a full meal. Once through immigration
the shopping options are limited and overpriced but there are places for drinks, snacks or
even small time gambling. Business passengers will, according to their carrier be assigned to
one of two lounges - whilst neither is spectacular the lounge used in the main by Skyteam
partners is my preference. It has a view of the runway and usually some kind of food as well
the usual drinks. This lounge is close to the departure gates for intercontinental flights but
there are times when African flights, including Kenyan, are from the gate located at the other
end of the airport. The other lounge is used by BA, Emirates, and also Star Alliance partners
(South African, Lufthansa and United and apparently soon to be Turkish). This has minimal
food, no natural light but is nicely decorated and probably has the better drinks selection.
The main x-ray security is before you go to your gate and you then sit in an often poorly air
conditioned room awaiting boarding - it is rare for boarding to start when they first announce
that it is. These areas often have passengers from multiple flights at one time and there is
some small risk of boarding the wrong plane in the chaos that can ensure. It is not the best
end to the departure experience but with the limited space and an expanding range of carriers
it is hard to overcome this and as others state, staff are for the most part friendly and
polite. On arrival immigration is normally not more than 10 or 15 minutes, bags can be quick
or slow like most places (though I find very slow for late night flights) and you must then go
downstairs where you are likely to have your baggage tag checked to confirm you have picked up
the correct item(s) of luggage. Beyond this point it can be a little chaotic - people will
almost certainly offer you a taxi and try to carry your bag then put pressure on you for a
tip. If you do not want any of these services it is best to smile and say so - personally I
would always favour trying to arrange a reliable pick up at any unfamiliar airport and in
Accra most hotels can arrange for this. The domestic terminal is fairly spartan but perfectly
adequate.
Accra Kotoka Airport customer review : 13 June 2010 by E Tompkins (UK)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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| Queuing |
| Cleanliness |
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No one tried to grab my bag or to bundle past me, no one even offered to carry my bag for
money. Not sure if this issue of being hassled is still an issue anymore? People were friendly
(as I found throughout Ghana). There are lots and lots and lots of checks - I think 8 in
total including immigration - just accept it and allow time. Air conditioned throughout. The
restaurants are on the Ghana side of immigration - it does all the Ghanaian dishes, food was
OK, a bit expensive but fine. Also there is a place that does burgers, fries, sandwiches etc.
Food on the other side is limited, so if you are hungry and want more than a sandwich, eat the
Ghana side of immigration. All European planes leave about 9pm, hence there are a lot of
people going through about 7pm. KLM say they close their check-in desk 2 hours before flight
leaves, - don't know if this is true as I didn't test it! I took the advice of the airline and
checked in before 7pm, and then waited in the middle waiting area - after immigration but
before final set of security checks - which has small restaurant, duty free shops (with very
expensive local goods and booze etc) before proceeding to the boarding area which is cramped
and smelly. Note, when you have gone through immigration but before you get to your boarding
gate, if you are flying to Europe, you have to go through another security scanner,so ensure
any water you buy after immigration is sealed in a bag. You also have to go through another 3
passport checks so be prepared!
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 25 January 2010 by G Davis
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |  |
Arrivals into Kotoka are not bad. You clear immigration pretty quickly and they have a
traditional baggage carousel where the bags come out. Lots of people hassle you for money once
you get outside the airport, but that is to be expected. Departures are another story. They
say to arrive 2 to 3 hours ahead of your flight, and that is no joke. It takes forever to go
through all of the boarding pass and passport checks. There are too many to count. In
addition, there is only one x-ray security scanner at each of the two gates, and so if you
have two large planes leaving from the same gate, as was the case for me, you have some 600
people filing through the one security scanner area. It was complete mayhem, as people who are
late for their flights or who don't feel like standing in line just push right to the front of
the line and no-one stops them. Once you are at the gate area there are no shops and only one
very dirty restroom for 600 people. All passengers for all flights are crammed into the same
gate area. I advise that you stay in the middle area of the airport, where the shops are, as
long as possible before proceeding to the gate areas at eather end of the terminal. If you are
offered a pass to the lounges, Adinkra is in that middle area near the duty free shop, and
Akwaaba is at gate 1 just before the scanner. You will have to go around the long line waiting
at the security scanner at gate 1 and you will see the lounge hidden in the back wall.
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 4 June 2009 : by Hans Gross
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Customer Rating : 3/5 | |
This airport improves slowly but steadily, yet seems never being able to cross the 3 star
barrier even for the class of airports in a developing countries. Until one gets to the
airplane, one has to pass a record number of checks and controls: At the entrance to the
departure hall, there is a control point where people are refused who don't have a ticket. If
you are White, you will not be checked here. Before you can join the queue to the check-in,
you must show a passport and a paper which could be your ticket. Before you really enter the
queue to the check-in, they check your passport and ticket. Then you can proceed to the check-
in. In my case, I had to wait half an hour before the counter because the system was not
working. In due course, the staff filled out the forms by hand. Then you go upstairs to the
passport control. Before you enter this room, there is another check point, where you show
passport and boarding card. Security check. Real passport and visa control and stamping.
General check point before going to the boarding gate hall, operated by airport officials.
Specific check point just at the entrance of the boarding gate hall, operated by airline
officials. 1Check-point before leaving the gate hall. Check-point before entering the transfer
bus. Maybe there are more checks which I have forgotten. Astonishingly there is no control
when entering the airplane. The halls, especially the boarding gate, still do not have a
pleasant air-conditioning. In spite of the ventilators, it is too warm and humid. Also too
loud.
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 31 December 2008 : by A Annor
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Customer Rating : 2/5 | |
Kotoka International Airport has improved over the years but a lot more work has to be done, I must
say. They need to get the RIGHT people to work for them and not have money scavaging people who will
try and get into your pockets for all you have by trying to help you. You will think they are being
nice but at the end they want you to cough up. Some of the staff there are quite rude and I can't
understand why they won't allow people who aren't travelling [those accompanying travellers] to come
into the airport. Most staff have no manners and take no notice of you, they push you from one
corner to the next and do not sympathise which really hacks me off. I should be proud of my country
but I am not happy at all, they really need to fix up in everything they do. I do not like the way
customs open up your bag and search manually by taking things out and expect you to put it back in,
which is ridiculous, its time they got with technology.
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 15 December 2008 : by Hans Gross
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Customer Rating : 3/5 | |
This time my departure was not as usual in the late night, when most flights to Europe go, but in
the late afternoon. This avoided being among the masses of passengers for different flights in the
gate hall. What confused me this time were the passport controls which where labeled with
IMMIGRATION, apparently due to reorganisation. Control points: 1. Before check-in. 2. Check-in 3.
Before passport control 4. Passport control. 5. Before entering gate. 6. Before entering airplane.
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 5 September 2008 : by R Kwabena
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Customer Rating : 3/5 | |
The airport has improved overtime but there is still a lot more work to be done. Baggage claim is
such a hassle. Airport is still riddled with wrong people who want money for themselves. We can do
much better than this.
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 3 July 2008 : by C Hawk
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Customer Rating : 2/5 | |
The airport continues to improve. By no means are the services where they could (should) be, but
they are better than before. As more and more business travel moves through Accra, the law of supply
and demand should help improve the quality and efficiency of the airport. The baggage claim is
woefully lacking. Food is marginally adequate. Need to get rid of people outside of airport trying
to "help" you.
ACCRA KOTOKA AIRPORT customer review : 11 May 2008 : by Hans Gross
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Customer Rating : 2/5 | |
The number of controls has decreased from former 8 to 6. After the entry I should have shown my
ticket, although flying ticketless. I explained them that now most flights are ticketless, hence the
control unnecessary. At check-in, I got a boarding card, indicating that I should go to the gate (an
uncomfortable place) at 21h30, although the flight was to be at 23h30. At 22h30, I was able to hear
an announcement telling to go to the gate 2 (the visual information system did not work). There was
a long queu already waiting, so I went back to the hall. The next message heard was that another
flight announced for gate 2 was redirected to gate 1. So a flock of people walked away and I went to
the gate once more without having to wait for the entry control. I was asked for the ticket, and the
same dialogue began as before. They said I could not fly unless I would show a ticket. In order to
show what they meant they order another passenger to show 'a ticket'. It was a flight confirmation
on a shabby piece of fax paper. I had left the confirmation in the checked-in baggage, but due to a
lucky incident I found a preliminary confirmation in my handbag, which was accepted. At departure
time, passengers were still coming in with up to 3 handbags and gigantic suit cases, and the flight
took with 1 hour of delay. Apparently, they had been accepted although too late. Pack every valuable
into your handbag if you don't have a hard suit case.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byMelissa Hartmann
13 February 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
I was in transit through Accra twice recently flying between
Johannesburg and London Gatwick on Ghana International. The airport is
quite basic but functional, and the staff are all very friendly if not
particularly efficient. On the outbound flight, we didn't even enter the
terminal building due to a very tight connection but 3 hours on the
return was more than enough to explore the very limited options. Any
transit longer than 4-5 hours would be unbearable, if only because of
the horribly accented announcements every 10 minutes trying to sell you
a raffle ticket.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byKwabena Yeboah
30 July 2006
The airport overall has improved from my last visit in 2001, and
continues to go thru major renovations to bring it up to modern
standards. The departure process has improved and the departure lounge
could use updating. The air-conditioning system has significantly
improved and is cooler and more consistent. The arrival process has also
improved and this time around I was not too harassed by the bribers; I
didn't see much of that on arrival however, Ghanaians living abroad are
still subjected to minor harassments and covert bribery attempts on both
arrival and departures by staffers checking baggage and performing
unnecessary baggage checks in attempts to part with travelers
belongings. This needs to stop! I hope the renovations are completed by
the 2008 African Cup to accommodate the many travelers who will pass
through the airport.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byEric Simpson
24 July 2006
I wasn’t sure what to expect on reaching Accra despite having read
previous comments. It turned out to be a slightly surreal experience
There are no airbridges. Passengers were bussed the short distance from
the aircraft to the arrivals wing. A long poorly lit corridor led to the
somewhat shabby immigration hall. Not perhaps the best first impression
for arriving passengers. Clearing immigration and customs was a slow
process however the officials seemed to go out of their way to give
first time visitors a beaming “Welcome to Ghana”. Baggage reclaim proved
to be a bit of a scrum. The public area of the arrivals level was much
brighter and more modern in its décor but it felt somewhat empty and
unfinished. The most intimidating aspect was being approached and asked
for a tip to provide security by someone clearly eyeing up my luggage.
Fortunately the driver meeting me arrived at that moment and whisked me
off safely. Departing Accra provided a somewhat different experience.
The outside of the Departures level was positively packed, the reason
quickly became apparent as only passengers were allowed inside the
building. The appearance of the check in area was quite modern although
it was not particularly well signposted and had a somewhat stark feel to
it. Having joined a very long line at the KLM check in desks I was
quickly directed to leave the queue to clear customs, a requirement
which departing passengers should undertake before checking in and which
was not clearly indicated. Check-in was speedy thanks to a KLM official
directing frequent flier card holders to the Business Class desks but
passport control and security checks were slow. The large departure
lounge has recently been refurbished, it contains an attractive duty
free shopping area and refreshment and seating areas. On a less positive
note the seats were metal and lacking any form of cushioning were
uncomfortable. Public address announcements were almost inaudible. Like
the refurbished part of the arrivals level there were vast areas of
unoccupied space perhaps awaiting future retail outlets or other
passenger facilities. There are two departure gates, one at either end
of the lounge. With two flights boarding simultaneously through Gate 2
this is where things broke down. The corridor from the lounge to the
departure gate was shabby and the toilets were in a disgusting
condition. With 500 or so passengers crowded into the boarding lounge
and no apparent PA system airline staff were pushing up and down,
shouting at the top of their voices trying to separate passengers into
groups for boarding. Two busses were in use transferring passengers from
the gate to the two aircraft. Although the process only took about an
hour it was a chaotic, hot and very uncomfortable experience. Sadly
these last few yards took away the otherwise favourable impression of
the Departures level of Kotoka International Airport. I hope that the
refurbishment which is underway continues and quickly addresses the
shortcomings particularly in the arrivals area.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byGraham Martins
6 March 2006
Accra airport has improved a lot from the old days but still has a long
way before it catches up with even its colleagues in Lagos nearby. No
jetways, poor airconditioning and dysfunctional signage are only three
of the problems it faces. The only saving grace is the friendliness of
the hardworking staff. My flights on both Ghana International and
Aerocontractors left in the middle of peak hours, but the airline staff
did a wonderful job shepherding us through snaking immigration and
security lines. There is construction going on everywhere, so it can
only bode well for a more improved terminal in due course.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byEric Mensah
21 November 2005
Accra airport has improved tremendously since the start of new national
carrier Ghana International Airlines. There is a special chec kin area
for the new airline and everything moves quickly and with efficient
staff (mix of local Ghanaians and Americans). Immigration checks are
still very long and the airconditioning does not work so it is very
unpleasant. Duty Free shopping is good and prices are same as London
mostly. Boarding area is still under construction so passengers are
taken in buses to the planes. Arrivals however is very quick and
efficient. My baggage from GIA flight had arrived before I reached the
terminal building which is faster than I have seen in any other airport.
Overall great potential for the airport if this can be maintained.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byJohn Federspiel
16 November 2005
Having been there three times during the past 18 months, many things
have changed for the better. Back in 2004 I was impressed by how quick
my baggage turned up and the warm welcome by the immigration officers on
my first visit to Ghana. Not so impressed by dirty toilets though, taxi
drivers and baggage carriers offering their service "proactively" after
arrival, immigration officers worrying me seriously on my first
departure from ACC. Summer 2005 clean toilets, working air condition at
the departure gates, friendly staff. Duty-free shopping facilities were
ridiculously overpriced for some items though. Autumn 2005 quick baggage
delivery after arrival, nobody asking for "food money" in the airport,
short cues and loads of immigration officers available on departure, -
you could actually understand the announcements done through the PA
system.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byFadi El-Eter
4
June 2005
Kotoka must be one of the funniest airports I've ever visited. As soon as I arrived, I had the
feeling that I arrived to a developing country. First, I had to walk from the airplane to the
airport under light rain. Waiting for the luggage was another joke, as it took a hell of a long
time, and there was also this guy with a chalk marking all the luggage that were moving on the
carpet (no idea why). Eventually, I went to customs (I had nothing to declare), yet my luggage was
searched 3 times. It was actually the first time that my luggage got searched in front of me, let
alone 3 times by 3 different people. I discovered later that the customs people were doing this in
order to get money. Oh and all through the way there were staff asking for money. I specially
remember that guy who asked me "What did you get for your nice friends in Africa?". Now when
departing, I was amazed to see that the gate looked exactly like my class when I was 11 or 12 I
guess: crowded, all people facing the same direction, and no A/C. Bottom line, be prepared for a
sub-standard airport and to give some "gifts" to your "friends" whenever you're arriving or leaving
this country.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byLi Mu Bai
21
March 2005
I have been using Kotoka International Airport for the past three years and very time I travel, I
fear the worst. The airport has only two departure lounges, where passengers seat like they are in
school bus, all facing in front. On Fridays and Saturdays, when there are several flights departing
almost at the same time, the departure lounges are full to capacity. The situation is worse when
flights are delayed, and it is normal to find more 500+ passengers in a lounge meant for not more
than 200 people. Air-conditioning in the lounges does not work well, and the TVs make so much noise
that it is impossible to hear the announcements. The Duty Free shops are extortion points, selling
items for prices that are way above the normal price.
Indeed, there are renovations going on at the airport but the benefits are yet to be seen.
A couple of years back, customs officers used to connive with “helpers” (trolley pushers) and armed
robbers, and several passengers arriving in Accra had their items stolen. The Government moved in
and cleared the airport of “helpers”. These people are back again. In addition, there are just too
many people asking for payments for the services that they have not rendered.
Accra Kotoka Airport review bySindre Riddervold
28
February 2005
I have been at Accra Kotoka International several times during the last couple of years.
You definitely get the feeling of being in a third world country from the moment you arrive.
But the facilities at the airport has improved the last years. It is smart to be met by someone at
the aiport, especially if you travel alone and it's your first time in Ghana.
Be sure to check in at least 3 hours before your flight departs.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byAlfred Blankson
15
August 2004
My seventeen year old daughter was returning to us alone to London. Despite having stamped UK visa
and both Ghanaian and British passports, and being a minor, an immigration officer bullied and
harassed her on a late night flight (she was last in queue), while she was also feeling feverish.
He extorted £100 off her, claiming she was the sister of the person in the passport, and pocketed
the money.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byRohit Lakhani
26
May 2004
I've had the pleasure and unique opportunity of checking-in at Accra's Kotoka International Airport
on several occasions. The general service and style of the airport that of a third world country
airport. Regular delays of flights, inattentive staff, and long, slow-moving queues. However, this
all adds to the personality of the airport. It has character. Before your flight, you can grind on
some tasty kebabs at the thatched-roof kiosk near the parking lot. I do feel you can enjoy this
airport if you go with an open mind and adventurous spirit.
Accra Kotoka Airport review bySasha Tufuor
4
April 2004
Kotoka airport has certainly been "cleaned up" in terms of its appearance. Unfortunately I cannot say
the same about its personnel staff. My most recent encounter with Kotoka airport was on 31 March
2004. It's certainly left me disappointed enough to want to write this email. Having arrived over
2hrs early in order to check in for my flight, I then had to endure the following frustrating
events. Having checked in, I made my way to what appears to be a "Security Point". I was asked to
complete an immigration card. As I didn't have a pen, I asked a member of staff to lend me his. I
was totally ignored. Another traveller (a Ghanian man), who was obviously as embarrassed as I by
this apparent curtness, informed me that I would be seen to soon. Meanwhile, an official with his
family were waved through before my request was attended to. This particular member of staff made no
attempt by way of an apology for ignoring me for a over five minutes. I completed the card and
handed it over. He took it, examined it along with my travel documents and then waved me on like a
naughty school child (I felt sufficiently humiliated to feel like a 10 yr old and not an adult of
37yrs). I then foolishly made the mistake of wanting to purchase a drink in the bar next to the Duty
Free Shop. I requested a glass of wine from a female bar staff. She advised me that I could only
purchase a bottle of wine and then walked away before I could even enquire about an alternative
drink. I was sufficiently aghast enough to just stand rooted for a minute or so. Another bar staff
noted this, approached me and asked if I required a service. I informed her that I did but I
didn't think I would receive it (I then went and sat down).
Having eventually made it to the departure lounge, I found myself along with other passengers,
waiting for over an hour to board tour plan. There were no announcements to explain this delay. In
actually fact, the apology came from the captain (KLM). I can only say that I
feel sufficiently frustrated and humiliated enough to seriously consider not returning back to Ghana
in the immediate future.
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