Nigerian carrier ValueJet Airlines has launched commercial operations on the Lagos-Accra corridor, becoming the 27th airline to operate at Kotoka International Airport and adding new capacity to one of West Africa’s busiest aviation routes.
The airline inaugurated the route on Monday, March 30, 2026, with Managing Director Captain Omololu Majekodunmi describing the launch as part of a broader regional strategy to strengthen ties between Ghana and Nigeria, two of West Africa’s largest economies.
“We are proud to support this relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, and the best way we can do it is through what we are doing now. We will continue to strengthen and make it worthwhile,” he said at the inaugural ceremony at Kotoka International Airport.
Capt. Majekodunmi said ValueJet planned to expand services to include Abuja-Accra and Port Harcourt-Accra routes in the coming months, while exploring further regional and international destinations including long-term ambitions to operate to London and South Africa. The airline deployed CRJ-1000 aircraft to support its regional expansion.
A statement delivered on behalf of Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe described the launch as a sign of confidence in Ghana’s aviation sector and a positive step toward strengthening regional economic integration.
Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, said in a welcome address delivered on her behalf that the airline’s decision to operate on the Lagos-Accra route was a strong vote of confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry. “The launch of ValueJet Airlines operations will offer more connectivity options and deepen the longstanding cordial relationship between Ghana and Nigeria,” she said.
Officials disclosed that government was undertaking infrastructure upgrades at the airport, including plans to repurpose Terminal Two to handle both domestic and international traffic, the construction of a new connecting concourse and a multi-storey car park to support rising passenger volumes.
The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Adedayo Adeoyo, noted that while competition on the route should lead to more affordable fares over time, current geopolitical tensions affecting global crude oil and jet fuel prices limited the prospect of any immediate reduction in ticket costs.
Professor Kobby Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, welcomed the development, noting that Nigeria remained Ghana’s second-largest source market with more than 100,000 arrivals recorded in 2024. He expressed optimism that the new airline would strengthen passenger traffic and support tourism growth between the two countries.
