Airports Company apologises for locked arrival gate which left passengers stranded at KIA 

Passengers arriving at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on the morning of Monday, April 7, 2025, were met with unexpected frustration when they found themselves stranded outside the domestic arrival terminal due to a locked door—an incident that has prompted a formal apology from the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).

The affected travellers, who had flown in from Kumasi aboard Passion Air Flight 143, landed at approximately 7:56 a.m. only to discover that the main arrival gate at Terminal 2 was locked, preventing them from accessing the arrival hall. The confusion and inconvenience sparked public concern, with many questioning the operational oversight at one of the country's busiest airports.

In a statement issued later that day, GACL acknowledged the lapse, expressing regret over the situation and extending an unreserved apology to those affected.

“Management of GACL extends sincere apologies to passengers who experienced the operational hitch on arrival at KIA,” the statement read.

The company assured the public that a thorough internal investigation is underway to ascertain the root cause of the incident. GACL further indicated that appropriate measures would be implemented to prevent a recurrence, including disciplinary action where necessary.

“The cause of the hitch is being investigated by Management, following which measures, including necessary disciplinary action, will be meted out to ensure such incidents do not recur,” the statement added.

While GACL has not yet provided details on how such a basic security and access lapse occurred, it maintains that passenger safety and service efficiency remain a top priority. 

The airport authority’s swift move to launch an investigation signals an attempt to restore public confidence and reinforce operational standards at KIA.

This incident has reignited conversations around the need for enhanced coordination and supervision in airport operations, especially as domestic air travel continues to grow in importance within Ghana’s transport ecosystem.