Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH8719 has made history as the first international flight to land at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi.
Originally scheduled for 3 December, the inaugural direct flight from London Gatwick was delayed due to short notice. The flight touched down at 10:22 am today, marking a milestone in Ghana’s aviation sector.
This is the first international flight to touch down at the airport since it gained international status. It forms part of Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its air transport network, with a focus on extending connectivity beyond Accra.
The inaugural flight represents a bold initiative, emphasising Kumasi’s rising prominence as a vital travel hub in Ghana.
Kumasi Mayor, Sam Pyne, stated that Kumasi’s first international flight marks a significant milestone in the city’s growth and development.
He emphasised that this achievement is not only a testament to the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders but also a pivotal moment for the region’s economic and tourism sectors.
This milestone, according to the mayor, positions Kumasi as an emerging hub for international business and travel, offering new opportunities for growth and visibility on the global stage.
“We are grateful to Otumfuo, the Airports Committee, and the Transport Ministry for making Kumasi’s first international flight possible. This achievement brings business, tourism, and growth, benefiting Kumasi and the entire Ashanti Region.”
“With support from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and other stakeholders, we’ll ensure that this milestone is sustainable, bringing long-term benefits to Kumasi and the Asante region, including international business and tourism,” he said.
The managing director of GACL, Nana Afriyie, expressed gratitude for the chance to launch the initiative. She thanked Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his support and shared vision, which helped make the project a success.
Nana Afriyie also noted that every aspect of the planning was executed seamlessly, highlighting the smooth flight from Ingrasci to Kumasi, with the Boeing 737-800 landing safely.
The flight between London Gatwick and Kumasi is the result of a collaboration between the Ghana Airports Company and Ethiopian Airlines. This new route aims to create stronger links between the UK and Kumasi, which is the second-largest city in Ghana.
This is a significant step forward for air travel to the region, as Kumasi is now poised to become the first destination in Ghana to receive a direct international flight outside of Accra.
