Accra Kotoka Airport (ACC) Flights & Flight Status

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra may not rank among the world's largest airports, but it is one of Africa’s busiest. Operated by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), this airport serves as the primary international gateway to Ghana, offering flight routes to more than 30 destinations. This detailed guide will provide everything you need to know about the facilities, ground transportation and other travel-related services of ACC Airport.

Airport overview

Originally named Accra International Airport, ACC began as a military airport used by the British Royal Air Force during World War II. In 1969, the airport was renamed in honor of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and has undergone several improvements and expansions over the years to address increases in the number of travelers.

The airport has 2 main terminals: Terminal 2, which was formerly the international terminal but is now used primarily for domestic and regional flights, and Terminal 3, the airport’s new international terminal, since 2018. Terminal 1 is no longer in use but there are plans to redevelop it in the future.

Arriving at ACC

To fly into ACC, you can choose from approximately 30 carriers, including Air France, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, British Airways, Qatar Airways, South African Airways and United Airlines. After disembarking from any plane, a shuttle will transport you on a short ride to the terminal.

I’ve found the arrival process at ACC to be smooth and efficient. Upon entering the terminal, the first step is to present your yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is mandatory for travel to Ghana. Without this document, entry into Ghana won’t be permitted. However, there is an option to receive the vaccination at the terminal.

Once your yellow fever certificate is verified, you will proceed to the immigration line, where an officer will check your passport, visa and fingerprints. After this, you will retrieve your luggage from the baggage claim area and pass through customs.

For those seeking personalized assistance to make navigating the airport more hassle-free, several fast-track airport assistance services are available. Although not affiliated with GACL, these companies offer specialized services such as baggage handling, individual assistance with immigration to help travelers bypass lines, and the use of carts to ensure a quick arrival, smooth departure or successful connection.

Transportation to and from ACC

ACC Airport is approximately 6 miles from the city center. Travelers have several transportation options to navigate between the airport and the city.

Renting a car at the airport

If you hold an international driver’s permit and a driver’s license from your home country, you might consider renting a car from companies like Avis and Hertz. However, renting a car in Ghana is generally not advisable due to challenging driving conditions and limited signage.

For those confident enough to take on the challenge, information, rates and booking options are available at the car rental booth in the airport arrivals hall.

Rideshares and taxis

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Bolt operate in Accra, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the city center. Drivers often prefer cash payments, so make sure to retrieve local currency at an airport ATM or exchange your currency for Ghanaian cedi at the airport.

In the arrivals area, both metered taxis and public pool taxis are available. Metered taxis are readily available west of the main terminal, opposite the arrivals hall. They tend to be more expensive than rideshare services. Labour Enterprise Trust Co. Ltd. operates metered taxis at ACC Airport, imposing an initial cost for the first kilometer and a small flat-rate fee for each subsequent 100 meters.

While metered taxis have set rates per kilometer, fares for pool taxis are negotiable, making it essential to agree on the price before starting your journey. You can also hop on public buses or minibuses, called tro-tros, to travel to the city center. However, mastering these two modes of transportation requires a deep understanding of the city's intricate routes and I don’t recommend this for first-timers.

For convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness, I recommend using Uber over traditional taxis in Accra due to their prearranged fares and GPS tracking. If staying at a hotel, booking transfers through your accommodation is also a safe and easy bet. While hotel transfers may be more expensive, some hotels in town, such as the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, offer complimentary airport shuttles.

Security lines at the airport

As an international hub in West Africa, ACC experiences high passenger traffic, with security lines varying significantly depending on the time of day and season. To efficiently manage domestic and international travelers, the airport has multiple security checkpoints that adhere to international standards, including metal detectors, baggage scans and, occasionally, more intensive secondary screenings.

Passengers should arrive 3 hours before international flights to allow sufficient time for ticketing, security checks and unforeseen delays. The airport offers self-check-in kiosks, which are currently limited to passengers on select airlines. Despite the potential for long lines, the security process at ACC is generally efficient.

Dining venues

The terminals at ACC house a variety of eateries and retail shops predominantly located airside. My favorite dining option is Café Kwae, which offers a good selection of local and international dishes. For travelers seeking quick bites and refreshments, Terminal 2 offers options such as Wok Inn, Café Aleeno, Muttina Baci and Alf & Gina.

Terminal 3 features a food court on the level 4 mezzanine, where you can find a range of food vendors like Wafflemania, Seoul Grill, Cho!, The Pub, Café Mondo and Beans & Creams. Vending machines are also available.

Lounges

There are 4 private airline lounges currently open at ACC. Those include the Akwaaba Lounge and the Sanbra Priority Lounge, both located in Terminal 3, and two Adinkra Lounges, found in Terminals 2 and 3. Passengers flying in premium classes or holding memberships in Priority Pass can gain entry, as all ACC lounges are part of the Priority Pass network. Additionally, day passes are available and walk-ins are allowed, subject to availability.

Sanbra Priority Lounge operates 24 hours per day and exclusively serves international passengers. Priced for entry, this lounge is often crowded. The Adinkra Lounge in Terminal 2 caters only to domestic passengers, while its counterpart in Terminal 3 is reserved for international travelers. Among the 4 lounges at ACC, I find the Adinkra Lounge in Terminal 3 to be the best.

The day pass rates for lounges at ACC are reasonable, making these lounges an attractive option. Despite occasional crowding, the lounges generally offer a more comfortable experience compared to sitting in the terminal. Note that you can exit and re-enter the lounges if you wish to shop or eat in the main terminal area, but keep in mind that seating is limited and leaving might risk returning to no available seats.

Wi-Fi at Kotoka International Airport

ACC provides complimentary Wi-Fi services in Terminals 2 and 3, accessible by connecting to the “KIA FREE WIFI” network and following the on-screen instructions. Wi-Fi is also available in the airport lounges, and there are plenty of power outlets for charging mobile devices throughout.

While the airport offers functional internet connectivity, Wi-Fi becomes limited the moment you step outside the airport and cellular service is not always reliable. Therefore, it’s best to perform all internet searches and calls inside the airport.

While I prefer digital boarding passes, I always obtain a paper boarding pass when traveling in more remote locations like this as Wi-Fi and cell phone signals can be spotty. I also screenshot or download my boarding pass to my photo gallery to ensure I can access it without relying on service.

Special services at the airport

The ACC medical clinic offers urgent and emergency care, as well as travel immunizations. It is open 24 hours. For added convenience, luggage wrapping is available for a fee from Wraprite in Terminal 3. Use of luggage carts is free of charge – a welcome amenity not always found at other airports around the world.