TIG Post

Tag: flight

  • Air Tanzania to commence non-stop flights to Accra

    Air Tanzania to commence non-stop flights to Accra

    Effective Wednesday, January 28, Air Tanzania will operate non-stop commercial flights at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced.


    Air Tanzania’s operations in Ghana follow the successful completion of all operational and regulatory arrangements. The company now joins twenty-five (25) other international airlines operating in Ghana.

    This information was contained in a press release by GACL on Thursday, January 22. “Upon successful completion of all arrangements, Ghana Airports Company Limited excitedly welcomes Air Tanzania to operate from Kotoka International Airport as the 26th international airline. We look forward to seamless facilitation of our cherished passengers,” the statement said.


    Meanwhile, travellers moving between Ghana and the United States now have a direct flight option following Delta Air Lines’ launch of non-stop Accra–Atlanta services on Monday, December 1, 2025.


    The update was shared by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.


    “I am excited about the reintroduction of Delta Air Lines’ non-stop flight from Accra to Atlanta, which commenced operations yesterday,” the Minister said, calling the move a significant improvement for passenger convenience.


    He also highlighted that Ghana welcomes Air Transat’s groundbreaking decision to introduce a non-stop Accra–Canada route, scheduled to begin on June 17, 2026.


    “These refreshing developments will accelerate our economic diplomacy objectives, boost trade and tourism, and offer value and convenience mainly to Ghanaian travellers,” he added.


    The airline offers travellers in Ghana a more efficient route to the United States by eliminating layovers and streamlining the travel experience. Operated with the Airbus A330-900neo, the route will provide passengers with a range of seating options, including Delta One Suites, Premium Select, Comfort+, and Main Cabin.


    Passengers on board will enjoy complimentary high-speed Delta Sync Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected, stream entertainment, receive travel notifications, and shop online throughout their flight.

    This feature, available to SkyMiles Members, reflects Delta’s commitment to offering a modern, digitally enhanced flying experience.


    The rollout of this route forms part of the airline’s broader strategy to upgrade its fleet with advanced connectivity tools, including the installation of dual-network systems across newer and regional aircraft.


    Having served the Ghanaian market for more than ten years, Delta considers the Accra–Atlanta route a significant move toward deepening travel and cultural connections between Ghana and the United States.


    Meanwhile, Ghana’s former President, Jerry John Rawlings’ legacy has been honoured five years after his death, with one of Nigeria’s indigenous carriers, United Nigeria Airlines, naming an aircraft after him.


    The aircraft, named “J.J. Rawlings,” completed its first flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, with several dignitaries, including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines; senior Nigerian aviation officials, and other guests, signifying United Nigeria Airlines’ debut route between Abuja and Accra.


    A brief inaugural ceremony was held at Terminal 3, Gate C8, upon arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to unveil the inscription on the aircraft — “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.”
    Former Minister and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Fritz Baffour, was present to unveil the inscription on the aircraft — “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.” — upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.


    In his address, Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, extended condolences to the Rawlings family following the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and requested a minute’s silence in her memory.


    He explained that discussions to commemorate the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ passing led to the decision to name one of the airline’s aircraft after the former Ghanaian leader, who was also a trained Air Force pilot.


    Professor Okonkwo pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would uphold high standards and contribute meaningfully to aviation development in West Africa.


    “We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” he affirmed.


    Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, expressed appreciation to the airline for honouring the late former President.


    “President Rawlings once said he would rather live in the hearts of men than have his name on monuments or streets. Today, that statement has been manifested through the naming of this aircraft,” Mr. Adams said.


    He added that the gesture demonstrated the enduring influence of President Rawlings across Africa.


    “Because President Rawlings lives in the hearts of men, he has been recognised even beyond his country. When we say the legend lives on, this is a good demonstration of what it means,” he noted.


    Mr. Adams also recalled the late President’s passion for flying, linking it to his commitment to Ghana’s rural electrification programme.


    “When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it inspired him to ensure that electricity reached all corners of the country,” he said.


    Representing the Rawlings family, Fritz Baffour conveyed the family’s gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the honour, describing it as a lasting tribute.


    “This gesture will stay forever. Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds — and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked.


    Jerry John Rawlings died on November 12, 2020, after burying his mother.


    The late statesman was born in Accra on 22nd June 1947, to a Ghanaian mother from Dzelukope, near Keta, in the Volta Region, and a Scottish father.


    He received his education at Achimota School, where he earned his General Certificate of Education ‘O’ Level in 1966.
    In August 1967, he joined the Ghana Air Force as a Flight Cadet and later proceeded to the Ghana Military Academy and Training School in Teshie, Accra, for officer cadet training.


    By March 1968, he had been transferred to Takoradi in the Western Region to continue his aviation training.


    He graduated in January 1969 as a commissioned Pilot Officer, earning the prestigious “Speed Bird Trophy” for his exceptional flying skills and airmanship.


    In April 1978, he rose to the rank of Flight-Lieutenant, noted for his competence and strong connection with his fellow officers.
    During his time in the Ghana Air Force, he observed a decline in discipline and morale, mirroring the corruption within the then-ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC).


    As he advanced in rank and interacted more with the country’s elite, he became increasingly aware of the deep social inequalities in Ghana, a realization that made the SMC wary of him.


    An avid reader and deep thinker, he often engaged in discussions on political and social change with a close circle of like-minded officers.


    On May 28, 1979, Flight-Lieutenant Rawlings and six others were brought before a General Court Martial in Accra, accused of leading a mutiny of junior officers and soldiers on May 15, 1979. His statement during the trial, which outlined the social injustices that motivated his actions, sparked widespread public sympathy and reaction.


    Meanwhile, in July 2025, Africa World Airlines (AWA) officially launched a new direct flight route between Accra, Ghana, and Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, marking a significant step in its expansion into the Sahel region.


    The inaugural flight was announced at a brief ceremony in Accra, symbolizing AWA’s strategic commitment to enhancing intra-African connectivity and promoting regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).


    Founder of Africa World Airlines and Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, underscored the airline’s dedication to strengthening integration across the continent.


    “Our safety record is great. Our reliability is great, and that’s the kind of tradition we expect to continue the service we want to offer our friends from Burkina Faso. Hopefully, through them, we’ll link all of the Sahel to the rest of Africa, in line with President John Mahama’s vision of bringing Burkina Faso and Niger back into the fold,” he stated.


    Togbe Afede XIV also acknowledged the concerns of passengers about rising airfares but assured that the airline remains focused on delivering value while prioritizing safety.


    “I know that our passengers are concerned about ticket prices. We all need to understand that aviation is a very difficult business—capital intensive, with very small margins. Passengers demand the best of services, and we strive to provide the best value for money as we work to integrate the continent,” he explained.

  • GAF’s A-29 Super Tucano static and flight demonstration begins on Feb. 19

    GAF’s A-29 Super Tucano static and flight demonstration begins on Feb. 19

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the new date for the much-awaited A-29 Super Tucano static and flight demonstration.

    The new dates for the 2-day display are Monday, February 19, and Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The demonstration will take place at Air Force Base Accra.

    This event is open to all. However, do note that security protocols will be strictly observed.

  • Flight attendant discovered dead at airport hotel with piece of fabric shoved in her mouth in Philadelphia

    A woman who worked on a plane was found dead in a hotel near an airport in Philadelphia. A piece of cloth had been put into her mouth.

    Her dead body was discovered in a hotel room at the Marriott near Philadelphia International Airport at around 10. 45pm on Monday This was two days after she was supposed to leave the hotel.

    The woman, who is 66 years old, had a piece of cloth in her mouth when the investigators found her, according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

    Investigators said that they found a sock in her mouth, according to WPVI.
    The woman was declared dead right where it happened. We don’t know who she is and we don’t know why she died.

    Officials have said that the woman had a job at American Airlines.

    The police informed KYW-TV that the lady is from Las Vegas.

    The police think something unusual happened to her and the special police team in charge of investigating murders is looking into it.
    The woman seems to have died suddenly and she was taking multiple medications, as Small told NBC10. The hotel room was not broken into and there were no weapons found.

    According to WPVI, sealed bottles of prescription drugs were found in the room.

    According to Small, no one has been arrested in the case.

    The hotel staff didn’t know right away why they couldn’t find the woman for two days after she was expected to leave.
    The Marriot hotel company has not said anything about the event.

    If you know anything about the person who died, please tell the Philadelphia Police Department.

    This happened eight years after a British Airways stewardess named Emily Dunn was discovered dead in a hotel room in Angola, while still wearing her work clothes. She was discovered when she didn’t come for her flight to London’s Heathrow Airport. Later, it was revealed that she might have a heart problem.

  • Mutiny damages Putin’s reputation

    Mutiny damages Putin’s reputation

    The unity and stability that Putin and his state media have been attempting to portray for years are called into question by Prigozhin’s uprising

    Some members of the political elites panicked. Flight radar services pinged dozens of private jets leaving Moscow.

    But it wasn’t a systemic crisis.

    Regional governors were quick and unanimous in pledging public allegiance to Moscow.

    These scenes were very different from 1991 – another attempted military coup. Back then, some of the regional leaders quickly aligned with the rebels. We saw nothing even close to that yesterday.

    At the same time, Putin’s image was clearly ruptured.

  • British Airways cancels hundreds of Heathrow flights due to IT issue

    British Airways cancels hundreds of Heathrow flights due to IT issue

    Thousands of passengers were stranded at London Heathrow for a second day after British Airways (BA) cancelled at least 42 more flights due to an IT breakdown.

    BA said cancellations are still happening due to the “knock-on effect of a technical issue” resulting in staff being in the wrong location.

    Around 16,000 passengers have been affected by the cancellations.

    It comes on the busiest day for UK air travel since 2019.

    Most of the affected flights are departing from or arriving at Heathrow.

    But there have also been delays to other flights, while some passengers have been unable to check in online.

    On Thursday, BA apologised for cancelling dozens of flights at Heathrow. The airline said it was related to “technical problems” causing difficulties with online check-in, delaying flights.

    “While the vast majority of our flights continue to operate today, we have cancelled some of our short-haul flights from Heathrow due to the knock-on effect of a technical issue that we experienced yesterday,” BA said in a statement on Friday.

    Those affected have been offered the option to rebook an alternative flight or request a refund, BA added.

    The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder calculated that at least 156 flights, mainly domestic and European, have been cancelled.

    Aviation analytics company Cirium said Friday was expected to see the most departures from UK airports since before the Covid pandemic, with more than 3,000 flights planned.

    This is partly down to families heading on holiday for the half-term break.

    The issues started as security guards at Heathrow Airport belonging to the Unite union began a three-day strike over pay. The airport has said operations will not be affected.

    BA has been hit by other IT problems in recent years including a major breakdown in 2017 that stranded 75,000 passengers over a holiday weekend.

    The incident sparked a customer backlash with pledges from the carrier that it would do better in future.

    Passengers also faced delays due to an IT issue in February, days after flights had been cancelled due to Storm Eunice.

    Lorries queue for the Port of Dover along the A20 in Kent as the getaway for half term and the bank holiday weekend begins
    Image caption,Dover has been dogged by long tailbacks of vehicles during busy holiday periods

    Meanwhile traffic has started building up at Dover as people embark on cross-Channel ferry trips.

    Ferry operator DFDS said shortly before 08:30 BST that there was a wait of around an hour at border control for travellers in cars, while coach traffic was “free-flowing”.

    The Port of Dover tweeted that traffic is “currently processing well with no wait time for coaches, less than an hour wait for cars”.

    Dover has been dogged by long tailbacks of vehicles during busy holiday periods. In the lead up to Easter some coach passengers faced 15-hour delays to board ferries to France from the Kent port.

    Dover’s boss said this week it has done “everything we can” to prevent travel delays over the upcoming bank holiday and school half-term break.

    Elsewhere, Eurotunnel reported its cross-Channel vehicle services were busy, but trains were departing on time.

    On the railway, a fault with the signalling system between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport is expected to cause disruption until around 15:00.

  • Human capital flight, Ghana’s next headache

    Ghanaians are presently facing unprecedented economic hardship. Days ago, our Finance Minister , the authority around which our economy revolves, has suggested that “Ghana needs a miracle”. Doesn’t that indicate the direness of our economic downturns? Some may have decided to live in denial, but we have surely moved from being on a “treadmill” to getting on a slippery slope and going down hill.

    Indeed we need a miracle, perhaps the reason our decision makers have remained entrenched in their position about building a ” cathedral” for “God” who has uncountable homes here in Ghana, Africa, the world and most importantly has our hearts to live in. Yes we have been made to believe God desperately needs a home. More urgent that classrooms for schools under trees. God will always bless Ghana.

    But in fairness, do you agree that God may firstly consider doing a miracle in the well endowed and poverty-stricken Central African Republic a “more Christian” or religious country before Ghana gets her share of economic recovery miracles? Or may be it is true,just like most preachers have suggested,”Ghana is chosen”,and as God’s favorite,we will receive our miracle regardless of the long queue of more Christian and religious nations because of “grace” and “favor”.

    How much more entitled can we even feel? Expecting God to fix problems created by us? The right thing would have been for our soft spoken minister to have fallen on his own sword for others to inject fresh ideas but..

    Some have likened today’s hardship to that which was documented in 1983-1984.These economic decline goes with a domino effect.Of the many negative ripple effects, Ghana faces the threat of Human Capital Flight/ Brain Drain. Human Capital Flight is the emigration or immigration of professionals and educated from one country to the other.

    Imminent is a significant exodus of Ghanaian Youths and younger adults to destinations in America, Europe,Australia,parts of Africa and more.Although the said destinations may have their challenges (sting of COVID-19 and Russia and Ukraine War), they remain preferable as the fate of our country and our economic recovery lies in a balance.

    There is currently a passport booklet shortage but records indicate close to about 100,000 applications are pending.On a daily basis more people besiege passport offices all over the country.Ghana may soon join Ethiopia,Nigeria,Kenya,China.Mexico,Malaysia,Iran as part of the countries with huge brain drain.

    Countries that receive these hordes of professional Ghanaians eventually experience “Brain Gain”. Ghana loses a lot of its quality human Capital to other nations.Many Ghanaians who have travelled out have naturalized over time and some hold dual citizenship.As nationals of other countries also walk into the country and are able to acquire Ghanaian passports and Ghanacards through inappropriate means, Ghanaians could also afford themselves the experience of migration.

    In a world where technology and innovation is bolstering economic growth,Ghana may face more stagnation,higher cost of living and a further dip in economic growth through brain drain.

    Saint Augustine has said before that “the world is a book,and those who do no travel read only one page”.However, as Ghana goes through changes should she lose her beautiful children to the world ? Who takes care of poor, ageing unprepared Ghana when her children who are her social security are being chased away from her?

    Long Live Mother Ghana
    Author: Charles Dumenu

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Airbus Scandal: The fate of President Mahama and Ghana politics

    Media Foundation’s Suleiman Braihma came out with an interesting analysis sequel to the Airbus scandal that mentions some government officials in Ghana as dealing in corruption. In his analysis, he apparently points the accusing finger at former President John Mahama to be the recipient of bribes from the British company, as reported in the exposé.

    If it’s so, it’ll be damaging to the former president who’s also the presidential candidate for the biggest opposition party, going into this year’s general elections.

    On the contrary, I see more of political gameplay here.

    It bears a signature of rightwing capitalist political machination, and to whom it is directed at is obvious to all students of Ghana and international polity – the leftists socialist leaning.

    It’s not arising from within our jurisdiction although incumbency has been presented with a huge political capital. If we finger the ruling new patriotic party led by Nana Addo to be behind these exposés, for the interest they have as it would boost their electoral fortunes in the upcoming elections, we’ll be blinded off and allow ourselves manipulate unknown, the doings of the Masters who are behind the implementation of the new world order. An order that makes in a pariah guardians of moral absolutes.

    They, as seen more in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by whom the Airbus scandal is apparently pointing at, Former President John Mahama, who do not walk the dictates of the new world order would be swept out of the political field. Exposés of this nature are meant to retire politicians who are implicated in it.

    Don’t forget it also that from where the exposé came, leaders of that country are projecting themselves to be a world power to reckon with days after a divorce with the mother union, the European Union (EU), ending without a deal the 47-year marriage. Political leaders who walk along the New Britain dream would be shielded, those who don’t deserves a good riddance.

    Britain today led by Boris Johnson, a rightwing capitalist, to establish a foothold in the political and economic landscape after leading his country out of the European Union (Brexit), will allow out all exposés irrespective of how damaging it would be, so far as it’s a socialist’s ass that is gored. As the Goka people say it: “who pours libation to bless his enemy?”

    Remember it’s politics we’re talking about here – *It’s a game.* The players must be Masters. Alliances must be formed with Master players, and needs to be maintained.

    Look at it how the rightwing, conservative, capitalist political alliance is working world over.

    USA’s Donald Trump, who’s also in the rightwing capitalist alliance with Britain’s Boris Johnson, not long ago dealt a big blow to the leftwing socialist alliance in killing Iran’s General, Qassem Soleimana. Today, at the Democrats Caucus in Iowa, Trump is more mentioned than the candidates who are competing to be elected as the Democrats’ flagbearer and face the incumbent (Donald Trump) in the November 2020 national polls.

    His failed impeachment trials alone gives credence to how profitable it’s when you attack your opponents on the other side of the political divide harshly. Trump has now been given the momentum, sit back and count his political fortunes in the near future.

    When one member in the leftwing alliance is attacked, it definitely assumes a debilitating rippling effect in their circles. And so it’ll be when it’s the rightwing circles that are impaled.

    It’s more pity though to the President Mahama NDC, as in election year, those in his leftwing circles are carrying burdens of political emergencies with the sequel events so debilitating. Iran hasn’t yet come out of the blow dealt their martyred General, another of the leftwing allies in China is battling a ravaging Coronavirus (2019- nCoV).

    Another key socialist, Russia, a leftwing leaning, has suffered damages in the gradual loss of key important allies, Ukraine for example is now more leaned to USA, as Syria is becoming a failed state.

    On the day you’ll drown, the figs by the river rejects you.

    We can’t bid President Mahama goodbye yet in his political career as we see in Bolivia’s socialist Evo Morales. It’s still politics we’re dealing here, a game played by Masters. If he can still stand his grounds as seen in Venezuela’s Nicholas Maduro, then he could remain long on the political turf of play.

    Bribery and corruption have beautiful names enshrouded in political language, it’s only spoken, understood and walked by the Masters.

    But as President Mahama’s policies are more seen to be outside of that of the new world order, he should hear from me for the first time that: the Airbus scandal is a coffin that has been placed at his gate, it only buries political fortunes, but not that of the Masters!

    We have a job at hand, our fallen walls needs an urgent rebuilding, those whose strength and courage could be doused by a seemingly politically engineered canon, should give way to the patriotic sons of the soil who acting on the dictates of the new world order, will return Ghana to her greatness of old, the pilgrim’s pride.

    Long Live Ghana!

    Contact/WhatsApp: +233249542111

    Email: sirlord42111@gmail.com

    Source: Ghanaweb.com