GACL to Close Terminal 3 Car Park from July 20 for 7-Storey Complex as Kotoka Airport Rolls Out New Security Equipment
Accra
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced the temporary closure of the existing Terminal 3 car park at Kotoka International Airport, effective Monday, July 20, 2026, to make way for the construction of a new seven-storey Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotel Complex.
In a statement issued ahead of the closure, GACL said the project is part of a broader redevelopment plan aimed at expanding capacity and improving passenger experience at Ghana’s main international gateway. The new complex will combine structured parking with hospitality facilities, providing more than double the current vehicle capacity while adding hotel rooms directly connected to Terminal 3.
“Passengers and well-wishers are advised to make use of alternative parking areas designated within the airport enclave,” GACL noted. Traffic management teams and additional signage will be deployed to guide motorists during the construction period, which is expected to take several months. Airport authorities apologized for any inconvenience and urged travelers to arrive early to account for possible delays.
The closure comes at a time when passenger traffic at Kotoka has been steadily rebounding, with increased demand for both short-term drop-off and long-term parking. Industry analysts say the integrated car park-hotel model follows trends at major hubs in Dubai, Doha and London Heathrow, where convenience and non-aeronautical revenue are key drivers. The hotel component is also expected to serve transit passengers and airline crews, reducing the need for off-airport transfers late at night.
Alongside the construction announcement, GACL confirmed the installation of new state-of-the-art security screening equipment at Terminal 3. The upgraded scanners use advanced CT technology that allows passengers to keep belts on, shoes on, and laptops and liquids inside their carry-on bags during screening. “This is a major upgrade to our security processes,” a GACL spokesperson said.
“The new equipment enhances threat detection while significantly reducing the time spent at security checkpoints.”
Officials say the technology aligns Kotoka with ICAO and IATA best practices and will help cut queues during peak periods, especially as Ghana positions itself as a regional aviation hub. Passengers will still be required to follow standard liquid restrictions and present travel documents, but the streamlined process is expected to improve flow from check-in to boarding gates.
The dual upgrades — infrastructure expansion and smarter security — reflect GACL’s push to modernize operations ahead of the 2030 World Cup matches to be hosted in neighboring Morocco, Portugal and Spain, and with increased regional travel expected in the coming years.
Travelers are advised to monitor GACL’s official channels for updates on parking alternatives, construction timelines, and any changes to terminal access.
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