ACCRA AIRPORT review : 11 May 2008 : by Hans Gross
|
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.
Accra Kotoka Airport review bySandra Appeti
11
March 2004
Kotoka is looking great especially with the recent renovations which have taken place. It would be
nice however if there were trained personnel to run it. I spent a lot of time travelling to and
from Kotoka during my Dec 03 – Jan 04 trip due to baggage delays. To say I was frustrated would be
an understatement. Not living in Ghana means my mode of travelling was by taxi. Kotoka however does
not permit taxis to park at the accessible car parks except private cars. When you have luggage it
is a nightmare. I had to cross 2 lanes of busy traffic to get to a taxi with 3 heavy suitcases
because the car park attendant will not even let the taxi drive into one of the accessible car parks
to collect my luggage. The Staff are rude, from car park attendants who are unsympathetic and lack
flexibility to custom officials who will harass you if you look like an easy target. Not forgetting
security guards who are constantly begging for change. Even Staff at the customer service desk are
not helpful and I found myself asking one of the staff what the point of having a customer service
desk was. All in all, customer service seems non existent in Kotoka unless you are willing to wave
money around.
Accra Kotoka Airport review byStephan Neuhaeuser
26
February 2004
Kotoka is a wild airport! Confirm your return flights early (its a must!) and check in as early as
you can (e.g. it is possible to check in in the morning if you leave in the evening) - as a
foreigner you will probably end up paying a local a small sum for "helping" you to accomplish check
in. These "helpers" can be very insisting. And then leave the airport for a cool drink at the
Shangri-La Hotel, a 5 minutes taxi ride away. Finding a taxi is no problem, as there is a big
competition in the taxi business.
At the airport there are practically no bars, restaurants and only a few shopping outlets. Waiting
is not very comfortable.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Comments and opinions contained in these pages do not represent the views of Skytrax. All features contain unsolicited input from site visitors, and we
seek to exercise the minimum level of editorial control and censorship to ensure the widest debate and platform for customer opinions. We
will not publish submissions that contain abusive language. We cannot guarantee to publish all opinions submitted.
ADD YOUR COMMENTS HERE
These Review pages are designed to offer guidance and assistance to other travellers, and we ask
respondents to use an "informative" style of comment and share any travel tips for the airport in question.
Your First Name (or initial) and Family Name, and E-mail address MUST be supplied.
When submitting comments, please DO NOT insert paragraphs.
Please check you use Upper and Lower case only - submissions made all in CAPITALS will
NOT be accepted.
Comment submissions that require extensive text editing CANNOT be published.
|