Accra Airport Sees Marginal Decline in Passenger Arrivals Despite Overall Growth

The Accra International Airport has reported a marginal decline in passenger arrivals for the month of March 2026. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, there were 96,412 passenger arrivals at the airport in March 2026, a decline of 1.8% compared to the 98,146 recorded in the same month the previous year.

The decline in passenger arrivals is in contrast to the overall growth seen in the first quarter of 2026. According to the May 2026 Monetary Policy Report, passenger arrivals on a month-on-month basis remained largely unchanged from the 96,494 arrivals recorded in the previous month. Cumulatively, for the first quarter of 2026, there were 302,993 arrivals recorded at the international airport and the land borders, representing a growth of 2.6% compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Transport sector activities, gauged by new vehicle registrations by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), improved significantly in March 2026. There were 32,458 new vehicle registrations recorded that month, a 61.5% increase from the 20,103 registered during the corresponding period in 2025. Cumulatively, vehicles registered by the DVLA within the first quarter of 2026 increased by 47.7% to 104,401 from 70,692 recorded a year ago.

The growth in vehicle registrations can be attributed to the increasing demand for private vehicles in the country. With the rise of the middle class, more Ghanaians are able to afford private vehicles, leading to an increase in registrations.

The decline in passenger arrivals at the airport may be a cause for concern, but it is essential to note that the overall growth in the transport sector is a positive sign for the economy. The growth in vehicle registrations is a clear indication of the increasing purchasing power of Ghanaians, which can have a positive impact on the economy in the long run.

The Ghana Statistical Service will continue to monitor the trend of passenger arrivals at the airport and provide updates as necessary. The DVLA will also continue to register new vehicles, ensuring that the transport sector continues to grow and develop.