Children smiled at the sight of four Ghana Airports Company staff dressed in the legendary Santa Clauses’ famous red outfit with white beard handing out gifts at the International Departure and Arrival Halls of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) from Dec 24-26, 2017.

Chocolates and toffees were handed out to children of all ages who willingly grabbed as much as their hands could carry.

Adult passengers also got the opportunity to win GACL-branded corporate souvenirs in a poke-a-win challenge. Souvenirs won included: Executive pens, umbrellas, key rings, mouse pads, and complimentary card holders.

The event, which is held every year at Ghana’s main international airport, is an opportunity for the airport's operator to celebrate Christmas with arriving, transiting and departing passengers and also to thank them for their continuous patronage.

Soothing live band music, which has become a feature of KIA in the West African sub-region, accompanied the event to create a party atmosphere which attracted security personnel stationed at the facility, cabin crew, and many parents.

KIA has over the last two years tapped into the potential of music to transform the usually tense atmosphere at airports, particularly on the African continent, so as to improve the flying experience.

Indeed, there is a significant overlap between the aviation and music industries to be exploited by airports, airlines and tourism communities but, despite the fact that the music industry often outperforms the general economy, this all too often escapes many local airlines and airports.

The new phase of KIA

At the end of April 2018, the Kotoka International Airport as we know it today, is going to have a totally new look and feel about it.

Presently the facility has two terminals, Terminal 1—which is currently used for domestic operations and Terminal 2—from where all international flights arrive and depart.

A new terminal, Terminal 3, is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2018. The facility, which will be dedicated for international travels, has the capacity to process 5million passengers a year, will have six aerobridges, much larger arrival and departure halls, and large duty-free shopping areas.