GACL shuts down McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal over $3m debt

The management of the Airports Company Limited (GACL) has shut down the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal due to an outstanding debt of over $3 million.

The debt, which includes land leases, rentals, and terminal charges accumulated over a period, was not cleared despite being given until Christmas to settle the amount.

This marks the second time McDan Aviation has faced such a shutdown. In February 2022, GACL indefinitely barred McDan Aviation from operating its private jet services at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) following operational breaches.

This move came after McDan launched its private jet services at the airport despite not meeting the required terms and conditions set by the airport authorities.

In a letter dated January 31, 2022, GACL ordered McDan Aviation to cease operations at Terminal 1, citing the company’s failure to comply with prior directives. The letter, signed by Yaw Kwakwa, Managing Director of GACL, noted that McDan Aviation had not adhered to the terms for using the terminal as a private jet facility, and as a result, its use was suspended until further notice.

The letter was also copied to several high-ranking officials, including the Secretary to the President, the Secretary to the Vice President, the Minister of Transport, and the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

McDan Aviation was also instructed to hand over the keys to the terminal for a joint inventory by the close of business on January 31, 2022.

McDan Aviation launched its private jet terminal and services on January 28, 2022, but the event was boycotted by key figures in the aviation sector, including the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, and officials from the Ghana Airports Company Limited, who raised concerns about the company’s operations.

Despite the previous shutdown and ongoing issues with McDan Aviation’s operations, the company’s failure to settle its debts has led to the latest closure of the private jet terminal.