British Airways (BA) has reversed its decision to switch its Accra-London flight route from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick until the end of October.
It follows negotiation between the government of Ghana and British Airways after the West African government threatened to retaliate.
The decision would have meant all London-Accra-London bound British Airways flights will originate and terminate at the London Gatwick Airport instead of the Heathrow Airport.
The change in flight routes was scheduled to take effect in the summer of June this year.
However, British Airways in a circular cited by Asaaseradio.com apologised to its passengers for the inconvenience the directive may have caused.
“Last December you would have received an email advising you that your Accra booking had moved from London Heathrow to London Gatwick.
“Due to operational reasons, our Accra services will now revert to departing /arriving from London Heathrow until the end of October. We apologise for any disruption or confusion this may cause,” the circular read.
Background
Ghana last month rejected a plan by BA to move its London-Accra-London flights from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick.
British Airways recently communicated through a letter to the Ministry of Aviation that the airline has taken a decision to operate its Ghana services from Gatwick Airport.
This means that all London-Accra-London-bound BA flights would originate and terminate at Gatwick.
In the same communication, BA announced that the new schedule is expected to start this year in the summer.
“No due consultation”
However, Ghana’s Ministry of Aviation says it is displeased “about the way and manner the decision was being taken without due consultation with the Ghanaian authorities”, hence the decision to reject the plan.
“Consequently, the ministry, in a letter to the BA authorities, rejected the changes and categorically informed British Airways that for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to accept the change in the London-Accra-London flights originating from Gatwick Airport,” a statement from the ministry said.
Fred Dzakpata
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