 at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.){kind=link}
Domestic airline Passion Air has warned of “significant disruptions” to its flight operations across all routes, following a formal alert of an expected shortage of aviation fuel (Jet A-1) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 23, the airline cited a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) released by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) a day earlier, which notified airlines and airport operators of a looming fuel deficit from Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 27, 2025.
“This critical shortage poses a substantial challenge for airlines relying on Kotoka International Airport for refuelling their domestic and potentially regional flights,” Passion Air said. “As a result, we expect significant disruptions to our flight operations across all routes during this period.”
The airline is urging passengers and the general public to stay informed by contacting its customer service team at 0800 221 221 for the latest updates, and has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused.
Jet A-1 fuel, the highly refined kerosene used in turbine-engine aircraft, is essential to air travel. Shortages can result from a variety of factors including global supply chain disruptions, refinery issues, local logistical challenges, or foreign exchange-related payment delays, all of which can affect the import and distribution of refined petroleum products.
Ghana, like many developing nations, imports most of its refined fuels. Stability in aviation fuel supply therefore depends heavily on international oil market dynamics, forex availability, and the efficiency of domestic distribution networks. A breakdown in any of these areas can quickly lead to domestic shortages.
Fuel shortages have immediate and widespread impacts on airline operations, often leading to flight delays, cancellations, and rerouted schedules. For passengers, this can mean missed connections, disrupted plans, and long waiting periods. For airlines, it results in significant financial losses and logistical complications.
The GCAA’s issuance of a NOTAM is a standard aviation protocol to warn pilots, airlines, and airport operators about potential hazards or conditions that may impact flight safety or operations. In this case, the alert reflects the urgency and potential severity of the situation.
The unfolding fuel crisis highlights a larger concern around the fragility of critical infrastructure in the country, particularly as it relates to energy logistics and transportation.
As the aviation industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, experts warn that ensuring consistent supplies of aviation fuel is critical to maintaining reliability in air travel and investor confidence in Ghana’s transportation sector.