The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has closed the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal due to an unpaid debt exceeding $3 million. This debt, comprising land leases, rentals, and terminal charges, accumulated over time despite repeated deadlines, including a final grace period ending at Christmas.
This is the second time McDan Aviation has faced such action. In February 2022, GACL suspended the company’s operations at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport (KIA), citing operational violations and failure to adhere to required conditions.
Previous shutdown in 2022
In January 2022, GACL issued a directive ordering McDan Aviation to cease operations at Terminal 1 after determining the company had not complied with terms set for private jet services. The letter, signed by GACL Managing Director Yaw Kwakwa, also instructed McDan to surrender the terminal’s keys for a joint inventory by the end of January 31, 2022.
The letter was copied to high-ranking officials, including the Secretary to the President, the Secretary to the Vice President, the Minister of Transport, and the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
McDan Aviation had launched its private jet terminal and services just days prior, on January 28, 2022. However, the launch event was boycotted by key figures in the aviation sector, including Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah and GACL officials, who raised concerns over the company’s adherence to operational requirements.
Latest developments
Despite being granted multiple opportunities to address its financial obligations, McDan Aviation’s failure to settle its debts has prompted this latest closure. The GACL’s decision underscores its commitment to ensuring compliance with operational and financial standards within Ghana’s aviation sector.
This latest shutdown highlights ongoing challenges in McDan Aviation’s operations, further complicating its efforts to maintain its private jet terminal services.
