Sunyani Airport: Aviation Gateway to Ghana’s Bono Region
Sunyani Airport, located in the capital of Ghana’s Bono Region, is a small but strategically significant regional airport. Serving as a vital connection between central Ghana and the southern metropolitan centers, the airport supports both economic activity and regional mobility. Though its size and infrastructure are limited compared to Ghana’s larger airports, recent developments have revived its importance, particularly in light of the government’s efforts to enhance domestic air transport across the country.
Historical Background and Early Use
Sunyani Airport dates back to the post-independence period when the government of Kwame Nkrumah aimed to establish regional connectivity through aviation. The facility was originally built in the 1960s to serve civil aviation purposes, supporting local governance, trade, and transport in what was then part of the larger Brong-Ahafo Region.
For many years, the airport handled small aircraft operations and was a useful asset for both civil servants and private travelers. However, due to infrastructure degradation, poor runway conditions, and lack of investment, operations were suspended in the early 2010s for safety reasons.
Rehabilitation and Reopening
In response to growing regional demand and the national vision to revive Ghana’s aviation sector, the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Airports Company Limited, undertook a renovation project to restore the facility.
The key works included:
Runway resurfacing and extension, bringing it to a functional length for regional aircraft
Installation of basic airfield lighting and navigation systems
Construction of a new modest terminal building to serve passengers with check-in areas, waiting lounges, and improved safety features
After several delays, Sunyani Airport was officially reopened for commercial operations in 2022, with a domestic flight from Accra marking its return to service. Since then, the airport has resumed regular domestic flights, mostly connecting Sunyani to Accra, reducing travel time from over 8 hours by road to about an hour by air.