Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), James Agalga, says the government’s newly introduced Airport Infrastructure Development Levy is a necessary step to address mounting challenges at the Accra International Airport (AIA).

Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show, Agalga on April 7, 2026, he painted a picture many travellers can relate to: long queues, heavy traffic, and growing congestion, warning that without urgent intervention, the country risks falling behind in aviation standards.

“Look, there was a day I nearly missed my flight because of the congestion. I had to disembark and run with my baggage. If I had stayed in the car, I would have missed my flight,” Agalga said, highlighting the urgent need for a multi-storey car park to ease traffic congestion.

James Agalga details projects behind GH¢100 Airport Infrastructure Levy

Beyond traffic issues, he pointed to deeper structural concerns, explaining that critical parts of the airport, including the runway, apron, and sewage treatment facilities, are ageing and in need of major upgrades.

“If we don’t do the runway overlay, the status of Accra International Airport will be downgraded. Today, we are among the very best in the sub-region,” he said, adding that large aircraft operators often prefer the airport due to its strategic location.

The levy, which applies to both domestic and international flights, has sparked debate among passengers worried about rising travel costs.

However, Agalga insists the measure is aimed at securing the long-term future of the airport.

According to him, funds generated will be channelled into completing key infrastructure projects that have stalled over the years, including runway rehabilitation, expansion of the northern apron, and the construction of a connecting concourse.

He noted that many of these projects have faced delays due to years of subsidised airport operations, making the levy a crucial tool to bridge the funding gap and ensure the airport remains competitive in the region.

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