GIA crises and instructions for travelers

Ghana International airline has remained in lime light once as "Ghana Airways" and the second time as "Ghana International Airline". But unfortunately the reason for this popularity is not a positive one.

The airline was successful in selling the cheapest direct flights to Accra; however the financial condition of the airline kept weakening every passing day.

The airline firstly seized operations duration the volcanic ash crises followed by yet again a suspension of flights in April and second week of May. That stirred up the possibilities of Ghana International going bankrupt. Thought, to date there are airlines and companies agreed to fund the airline, to clear off the huge debt but the division of shares between the airline and the governments is a major setback. In the battle field of the government and the airline, the customers of Ghana International Airlines are suffering severely. Those who have flown to Accra are not sure weather they will get the return flights as issued. Those on the way are unsure if their flights will operate or they will be going back home with heavy hearts, long face and unopened suitcases.

Yet, a point of question is for hundreds of tickets issued for June, July and December, in other words the summer vacations and the winter holidays. As these are the busiest season of the year, people have got their tickets issued well in advance. The dilemma of the whole situation is that the airline's own staff is hard to reach and therefore, there are nearly no set patterns or clear instructions for passengers suspended in the state of doubt and depression whether they will be able to fly? Or what should they do if their flights are cancelled! Most agents in this regard, are helpless and have no or little information and updates on the issue.

As rumors about Flights Suspension and liquidation of Ghana International airlines are in circulation, immense disappointment and rising concerns in mind of Ghanaian customers is evident. We are trying our best to keep travelers posted with more updates, instructions and guide lines as received through IATA, agency and other sources.

Since Ghana International Airline has not been officially announced “grounded” or declared "Bankrupt" to date, the policy for refunds and cancellations will imply in accordance to status of flights at the time of departure/return.

Here are a few ways to handle the situation and be more informed to act in the right direction:

? Incase if the airline does not operate on given dates of departure/return, the traveler is eligible for refund.

? Due to the existing ambiguity of the situation, incase if the traveler is demanding cancellation prior date of departure/return and prior any official declaration or announcement of airline’s suspension, the standard cancellation terms and conditions will apply. This means partial or no refund depending on the fare type.

? For flights scheduled and issued for coming traveling seasons (June 2010 - Jan 2011), once the bankruptcy is filed and announced, or a clear verdict against the airline is announced, the passengers will be eligible for full refund.

? Also to apply and claim refund, one can apply only within a certain period and not months after flights are announced to be suspended. Therefore immediate passenger action is mandatory.

For tickets booked & issued after May 13, 2010 ATOLL insurance will not cover for Ghana International flights. Hence people willing to travel with Ghana International should seek travel insurance on self-arrange basis. For more details and updates on flights to Ghana please call your travel agent.