The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with Delta Air Lines, Ghana, has officially launched the Accra–Atlanta Seasonal Flight, re-establishing a direct aviation link between Ghana and the United States.

The official launch ceremony took place on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at the Kotoka International Airport, Terminal 3, with the first flight having commenced operations on December 1, 2025.

The direct route, operated by Delta Air Lines, is expected to significantly enhance visitor arrivals, expand commercial opportunities, and elevate Ghana’s December-in-GH experience.

The seasonal flight provides travellers with a convenient, non-stop connection between Accra and Atlanta, addressing a long-standing gap in Ghana’s aviation and tourism network.

Speaking at the launch, Maame Efua Houadgeto, Chief Executive Officer of GTA, highlighted the importance of the route for both Ghanaians and the diaspora.

“We have so many people who come from Atlanta and the cities around Atlanta coming to Accra but because you know they only had to go to New York it was such a trip for them.

“Now they’ve made it easier for us and they’ve made it easier for our visitors. When we go abroad marketing Ghana our first stop is Atlanta so we are always in Atlanta and the routes and the cities around Atlanta. So honestly my families, my friends, my visitors, I mean the diaspora in particular are too excited to have a direct flight from Atlanta to Accra and Accra to Atlanta.”

Ms. Houadgeto recalled the challenges experienced when previous direct flights were suspended over a decade ago, stating the impact on visitors and the country’s promotional efforts.

“In the beginning because our customers were not getting direct flights to Accra, it was cumbersome for our customers. So now our customers are a lot more happy because they don’t have to travel all the way to New York before they come to Accra. Now they have to come straight from Atlanta to Accra and they’re very excited.”

The CEO explained that the decision to prioritise the Atlanta route was informed by visitor patterns and high demand during the festive period.

“You know Delta used to do one flight, now they’re doing two flights. They were thinking of three flights a day from Ghana and they decided that, you know what, the majority of the people come from Atlanta and they’re surrounded. So let’s focus on Atlanta. We’ve done it before, we can do it again and here we are,” she added.

The launch was also graced by the Acting Ambassador of the United States Embassy, H.E. Rolf Olson, who welcomed the new flight and highlighted its importance in strengthening connections between Ghana and the US.

He underscored how the direct link would benefit both tourism and commercial ties, facilitating travel for Americans visiting Ghana and Ghanaians travelling to the United States.

“Delta’s already been here, flying direct to New York for nearly 20 years, but obviously this inaugurates a new leg in connection between Accra and another great American city in Atlanta. And so it’s really an incredibly important step forward. Our relationship between Ghana and the U.S. has long been broad and deep, and that continues to grow.

“Our American businesses help connect our peoples, right, the United States and Ghana. We have many Americans that come to Ghana for tourism. We have many Americans that come to live in Ghana and rely on these direct flights.

“And we, of course, have many Ghanaians who visit the U.S. for tourism or to visit family. We know Delta will play a very important role in connecting the U.S. and Ghana going forward. So we’re very excited about this opportunity. And congratulations to Delta, everybody on the team, and to all those on the maiden flights today,” he said.

The ceremony also highlighted Delta Air Lines’ long-standing presence in Ghana and its role in linking the two countries. Delta has operated in Ghana for 19 years, providing reliable air travel and fostering commercial, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

The airline has maintained strong partnerships with Ghanaian institutions and the diaspora, contributing significantly to travel convenience and international connectivity.

Against this backdrop, Eloina Baddoo, General Manager of Delta Air Lines Ghana, addressing the gathering, reflected on Delta’s commitment to safe and world-class air travel and the launch of the seasonal Accra–Atlanta service.

“It is a distinct privilege to welcome you to the Kotoka International Airport for the launch of our seasonal Accra–Atlanta service. Today represents a defining moment for Delta Air Lines, and more importantly, for the people, businesses and communities whose lives are linked through safe and reliable world-class air travel across continents.

” This day is doubly remarkable as we mark Delta’s centennial celebration of connected people and possibilities worldwide. We also approach 19 years of dedicated service in Ghana, a journey defined by strong partnerships, mutual trust and shared growth for the Ghanaian community,” she said.

She added that, ” Every flight here creates business partnerships, opens up commercial opportunities, and facilitates cultural exchange.”

The CEO further emphasized that the successful re-introduction of the route is a result of GTA’s sustained efforts to promote Ghana as a top tourist destination. She said the launch aligns with several major events planned for December, including the High Life Festival, gospel celebrations, the Taste of Ghana culinary experience, and traditional masquerade displays.

“We are very grateful for this and of course I’d like everybody to know that this is also through the hard work of GTA, the Ghana Tourism Authority. The reason is that we have relentlessly promoted Ghana abroad and now with our events like December in GH, Dirty December. Now we are going to have the High Life Festival which is High Life at 100.

“We’re going to have a gospel festival. We’re going to have a taste of Ghana you know and many many many the masqueraders who are usually in Takoradi.

“We have so much to offer this December and we are asking the world to come and experience Ghana. Come and experience our walk, our destination, our people, our food, our clothing, our style, our culture and,” she said.

This initiative is expected to strengthen Ghana’s economic diplomacy objectives, enhance trade, and provide greater convenience to Ghanaian travellers and the diaspora community. With this development, the Accra–Atlanta Seasonal Flight positions Ghana as a more accessible and attractive destination for international tourists.

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