Kotoka International Airport. Credit: Banku

Ghana Airports Company (GACL) has inaugurated the Terminal 3 project at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The opening follows successful tests and simulation exercises of the project by the GACL. The simulation exercises were conducted with support from all agencies and stakeholders operating at the airport.

GACL managing director John Dekyem Attafuah told myjoyonline.com: “We’ve had two major simulations where we have put in about 2000 passengers on each occasion.

“We’ve evaluated, debriefed and made the necessary corrections and finally, today is here! It’s been fantastic. Everybody who’s been through here has been excited about this.”

“We’ve evaluated, debriefed and made the necessary corrections and finally, today is here.”

The design and build concept, which started in 2015, features five levels spanning across an area of 48,268m² and semi-closed areas for the baggage total an area of 28,260m².

The new terminal, which has been built with an investment of $250m, is capable of welcoming five million passengers per annum and can process 1,250 passengers per hour.

The building includes six boarding bridges, and seven links, with potential for expansion to eight in the future, retail area with 7000m² of space, CIP terminal and three business lounges.

Additionally, the terminal has a parking facility that can accommodate 707 cars.

The new terminal’s fully automated baggage handling system has been designed in accordance with the latest European Civil Aviation Conference Hold Baggage Screening (ECAC HBS) requirements. It can process 3,000 bags per hour.

Construction of Terminal 3 at KIA completed in June this year.