United Airlines is in the advanced stages of re-launching its services to Ghana. Over 8 years after the route was cut, United’s quest for growth has seen the airline look eastwards, awarding seats to Accra with the new Washington to Accra flight.
Starting May 14, 2021, United Airlines will launch 3x weekly flights between Washington Dulles and Accra. Outbound flights to Accra will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays while return flights will operate Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. At the moment, Delta Airlines is the only US airline flying to Ghana as it operates 3x weekly services between New York JFK and Accra utilizing the B767-300 aircraft. South African airways which used to operate this route is currently under business rescue, a form of bankruptcy protection and consequently out of service.
Confirming the direct flights between Ghana and the USA, the US Ambassador to Ghana Stephanie S. Sullivan said, “In addition to the Delta flight, I am excited that United Airlines will soon commence direct flights between Ghana and the United States, helping to expand our bilateral connections.”
“United Airlines is at the later stages of preparations to commence operations to Ghana,” noted Charles Kraikue, Director-General Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
United will utilize the Boeing 787-8 airliner for the Washington to Accra route, with reconfiguration process currently underway with new Polaris seats and premium plus seats. The airline also flies to Johannesburg and Lagos with the flights currently on sale, and the Accra flight being the latest addition.
by Victor Shalton Odhiambo
