As the December 7 general elections approach, domestic airlines are experiencing a notable surge in passenger traffic, driven by voters finalising travel plans to their home constituencies.
Industry stakeholders are scaling up operations to accommodate the growing demand, anticipating an even sharper increase in bookings as election day draws closer.
Channel One News reports how airlines strategically position themselves to capitalise on this election-driven travel boom, ensuring the smooth transportation of voters, election officials, and materials during this critical period.
Captain Kwasi Oteng, Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines (AWA), highlighted the dual impact of the election season and the approaching festive period on air travel demand. On Monday, December 2, he emphasised the airline’s readiness to handle the surge.
“The increase in passenger traffic has already started. In the last couple of weeks, we have seen a significant rise in domestic travel around the country. So, to manage that, we have made adjustments to our commercial schedule. This is something we are doing daily.
“With what we have noticed recently, we have adjusted the domestic schedule, for example, for Tamale. We go there three times a day, we are now increasing that to five times a day and Kumasi presently we’re doing six a day we’re increasing that to eight,” he said.
He also underscored AWA’s collaboration with the Ghana Airport Company Limited to maintain the highest safety standards during this busy period.
“AWA has the highest safety records of operations in Ghana. We take safety very seriously, so as far as the present time versus the time of the elections, there’s no change. We have always operated on a safety level and that is one hundred percent safety,” he said.
However, Captain Oteng cautioned that voters delaying their travel plans may face challenges, particularly due to the limited operational hours at Tamale and Kumasi airports, which currently lack 24-hour domestic flight services.
With airlines ramping up schedules and ensuring safety protocols, they play a vital role in facilitating seamless travel during this pivotal election period.
