
The Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital has finally received its first direct international flight.

Ethiopian Airlines made history on December 6, 2024, by becoming the first international airline to land at the Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport.

The inaugural Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH8719 departed from London Gatwick Airport at 4:00 a.m. and arrived in Kumasi at 10:30 a.m. local time, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s history.
The airplane, which made a nonstop flight to Kumasi, was led by the Managing Director of Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Mrs Ynonne Naah Afriyie Opare.
They were received by Otumfuo Hiahene Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon Sam Pyne, and the management of GACL.
The Ethiopian Airlines will operate regularly, providing passengers with a convenient travel option between the UK and Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
This new route is expected to boost tourism and business opportunities in the region, as travelers from the UK can now easily access Kumasi’s rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accompanied by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, commissioned the Nana Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi on Friday, May 10.
The airport, with a capacity to accommodate over 800,000 passengers annually, is expected to create new opportunities for hoteliers and tourism operators in the region.
Managing Director of Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Mrs Ynonne Naah Afriyie Opare, addressed the media at the airport, saying they experienced a proud-safe trip to Kumasi.
She said the flight between London Gatwick and Nana Agyemang Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi is the result of collaboration between the Ghana Airports Company and Ethiopian Airlines.
Mrs Ynonne Naah Afriyie Opare showed blessings on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his efforts and support for making the Ghana Airports Company/Ethiopian Airlines collaboration possible.
Otumfuo Hiahene Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, on behalf of Asantehene, in his welcoming address, described the event as “a climax on the Otumfuo 25th anniversary.”
He said the move is a “significant step to unload travelers’ burdens who have to connect through Accra or other international airports that are both time-consuming and costly.
Some of the passengers aboard the flight speaking to Otec News expressed their delight and gratitude for the new route.
They expressed appreciation for the direct flight and praised the convenience and time-saving aspect of the flight.
Others also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit family and friends in Kumasi without the hassle of layovers.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah