Ghana to introduce $7 luggage fumigation fee at Kotoka International Airport

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has urged airlines to include a $7 per passenger charge on international airline tickets, with the funds to be remitted to the government agency for luggage fumigation purposes. Sources from AviationGhana disclosed that this decision was conveyed to airlines operating at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport during a meeting held on June 22, 2023.

Airlines, still grappling with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, have voiced their opposition to the GHS decision, citing the lack of local legislation to support the proposed charge.

Should the $7 fumigation charge be implemented, airfares are likely to see further increases. The aviation industry is already facing elevated costs due to factors such as high aviation fuel prices, a weakened local currency, and a general economic strain since last year.

The global airline industry incurred a staggering $180 billion loss over a three-year period due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects a revenue recovery of $2.25 per passenger this year, marking a significant improvement from last year’s per-passenger loss of -$1.1.

The international airlines have been gradually resuming routes that were suspended during the pandemic but have yet to reach the performance levels achieved in 2019. The proposed $7 charge at Kotoka International Airport is an additional consideration as the industry navigates its recovery.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh