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The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has taken decisive action by shutting down the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal due to an outstanding debt exceeding $3 million.
The debt includes unpaid land leases, rentals, and terminal charges accumulated over an extended period.
This marks the second time McDan Aviation has faced a shutdown of its operations. In February 2022, the GACL indefinitely barred the company from operating private jet services at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) following allegations of operational breaches.
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The terminal, launched on January 28, 2022, was initially met with resistance from key aviation stakeholders. The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and officials from GACL boycotted the inauguration event, citing concerns over McDan Aviation’s compliance with operational standards.
Speaking to Accra-based Starr FM, Alhaji Abdul Issaka Bamba, chairman of the Ghana Airport Company Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers Union of TUC, expressed strong support for the management’s decision.
“The outstanding debt is long overdue,” Mr. Bamba said, adding that the union fully endorses the closure of the terminal and warned that other defaulting partners could face similar sanctions.
Reports indicate that police officers have been deployed at the terminal’s entrance to prevent unauthorised access, ensuring the enforcement of the shutdown.
McDan Aviation’s private jet terminal was initially celebrated as a milestone in Ghana’s aviation industry.
However, its inauguration was marred by controversies, with aviation stakeholders raising concerns about operational breaches and regulatory compliance.
The ongoing debt issue underscores the challenges faced by the company, with the GACL signalling a firm stance on financial accountability and compliance within the sector.
