Kenya Eyes Accra as Kenya Airways’ New West African Base
The Government of Kenya has reached out to Ghana seeking approval for Kenya Airways (KQ) to set up a secondary hub in Accra. The proposal was presented on May 8, 2025, by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir during a meeting with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
Aiming to Boost Regional and Global Connections
Chirchir noted that the proposed hub would not only improve Kenya Airways’ reach within West Africa but also help connect passengers to international routes more efficiently. He believes the move will make Accra a stronger aviation center and enhance trade, tourism, and investment flows.
Supporting Continental Integration Through Air Travel
The CS also pointed out that the idea aligns well with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra. Establishing this hub is expected to encourage intra-African trade and regional integration through better air links.
Strengthening Kenya-Ghana Relations
Chirchir emphasized the positive and historic ties between Kenya and Ghana, mentioning the countries’ shared interest in closer partnerships through the Binational Commission Cooperation Framework. The new hub is seen as part of long-term cooperation plans between the two nations.
Strategic Move to Expand KQ’s Footprint in Africa
Kenya Airways already serves key cities across West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Liberia, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone. The proposed Accra base is viewed as a bold step to grow the airline’s influence across the continent while supporting Ghana’s aviation ambitions.
Trouble for KQ in Nigeria Amid Hub Talks
However, KQ’s expansion efforts come at a time when the airline is under scrutiny in Nigeria. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed sanctions following an incident involving Kenyan Airways staff and Nigerian passenger Gloria Omisore, which drew widespread attention on social media.
NCAA Demands Swift Compensation for Affected Passengers
According to NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimungu, the airline was formally penalized on May 7 for failing in several areas, including passenger care, timely communication, refund processing, and luggage handling. KQ has been given seven days to issue refunds and compensate all affected travelers.
