AWA Takes Off: Accra-Ouagadougou Direct Flights Launch July 1st
Africa World Airlines (AWA) is set to launch its highly anticipated direct service between Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and Ouagadougou’s new Donsin International Airport on July 1, 2025. This exciting development marks a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity within West Africa, offering travel professionals exciting new opportunities to cater to the growing demand for seamless travel between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
This new route promises to significantly reduce travel time and boost convenience for passengers, eliminating the need for connecting flights or lengthy overland journeys. Travel agents can leverage this enhanced connectivity to curate attractive travel packages and cater to both business and leisure travelers seeking efficient and comfortable travel options between the two capitals. The three-times-weekly service, operated by AWA’s fleet of 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, is strategically timed to maximize connections with other regional and international flights, further strengthening Accra’s position as a key West African hub.
The launch of the Accra-Ouagadougou route comes at a time of renewed focus on strengthening economic ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso’s substantial trade volume with Ghana, with imports reaching US\$573.33 million in 2024, underscores the strong economic interdependence between the two nations. This direct air link is expected to further facilitate trade and investment, creating new opportunities for businesses and boosting economic growth in both countries. Travel professionals can capitalize on this trend by offering specialized travel solutions for business delegations, trade missions, and investors seeking to explore opportunities in these burgeoning markets.
Both Accra and Ouagadougou have invested significantly in modernizing their airport infrastructure to accommodate increased passenger traffic and larger aircraft. KIA’s Terminal 3, with a capacity of 5 million passengers annually and ongoing expansion plans, is well-equipped to handle the anticipated growth in regional travel. The new Donsin International Airport in Ouagadougou, set to open in 2025, boasts a 3,500-meter runway and a modern terminal, further enhancing the region’s capacity to handle international flights and support the growth of air travel. This enhanced infrastructure provides a solid foundation for AWA’s expansion plans and offers travel agents confidence in the reliability and efficiency of air travel in the region.
AWA’s strategic focus on West African connectivity, combined with its interline agreements with major international carriers such as South African Airways, Emirates, and Brussels Airlines, positions the airline as a key player in facilitating seamless travel within the region and beyond. This network of partnerships offers travel agents a wider range of options for creating multi-destination itineraries and connecting passengers to global destinations, enhancing the appeal of West Africa as a travel destination. The Accra-Ouagadougou route is a testament to AWA’s commitment to expanding its regional footprint and contributing to the growth of air travel in West Africa.
The launch of this new route is expected to stimulate tourism, facilitate business travel, and strengthen cultural exchange between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Travel agents can play a crucial role in promoting this new connection and developing tailored travel products that cater to the specific needs of various traveler segments. By highlighting the convenience, affordability, and enhanced connectivity offered by this direct service, travel professionals can unlock new opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the West African travel market.
