Fuel Shortage: Accra-Takoradi Flight Returns Due to Technical Issue

A Passion Air domestic flight from Accra to Takoradi sparked alarm on Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, after passengers were told mid-air that the plane could not reach its destination. The aircraft, which departed Kotoka International Airport at 6:20 a.m. as flight OP122, was forced to return to Accra just 15 minutes after takeoff, leaving travelers anxious and confused.

Conflicting Accounts: Fuel Shortage or Technical Fault?

According to multiple passenger accounts circulating on social media, the crew initially gave no explanation for the abrupt turnaround. Only after landing did some passengers claim they were informed the aircraft lacked enough fuel to complete the journey, a revelation that quickly went viral and triggered widespread concern about pre-flight safety checks and operational protocols.

However, Passion Air has since denied the fuel shortage claims. In a statement to JoyNews, the airline clarified that the return was due to a technical issue, not insufficient fuel. An official explained that the crew took the decision as a safety precaution, though the specific technical fault was not disclosed. As of publication, the airline has not released a detailed public statement addressing the incident.

Notably, flight tracking data on Flightradar24 listed the status of this morning’s OP122 as “unknown,” further fueling speculation and anxiety among the public.

Passion Air Now Ghana’s Leading Domestic Carrier

This incident comes at a time when Passion Air has overtaken Africa World Airlines (AWA) to become Ghana’s number-one domestic airline, now commanding over 50% of the local passenger market4. The rapid growth of Passion Air, particularly on routes like Sunyani and Wa, has reshaped the competitive landscape of domestic aviation in Ghana.

Recent Baggage and Fuel Controversy with Africa World Airlines

The episode echoes a similar controversy from March 2024 involving Africa World Airlines. Passengers on an Accra-Tamale flight were left stranded without their luggage, which was reportedly offloaded to accommodate additional fuel for the return journey due to fuel supply issues at Tamale airport. While some passengers believed fuel was carried in the baggage compartment, AWA firmly denied this, clarifying that extra fuel was loaded only in the aircraft’s tanks and that baggage was offloaded to maintain safe operating weight. The incident, however, left many travelers frustrated and highlighted logistical and communication challenges in the sector.

Aviation Safety Standards Under Scrutiny

Both incidents have reignited debate over aviation safety standards in Ghana. While the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority’s National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP 2021–2025) outlines clear goals to reduce operational risks, strengthen oversight, and implement effective safety management systems, these recent events suggest gaps in operational execution and communication.

International protocols require airlines to carry sufficient fuel for the planned route, plus reserves for emergencies and diversions. Any deviation, whether real or perceived, raises serious questions about compliance with these standards and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.

Key Questions Raised

• Are pre-flight safety and fuel checks being rigorously enforced by all domestic carriers?
• How transparent are airlines in communicating with passengers during emergencies or operational disruptions?
• What systems are in place to ensure that technical or logistical issues do not compromise passenger safety?

Conclusion

As Passion Air cements its position as Ghana’s top domestic airline, incidents like the OP122 turnaround and AWA’s baggage controversy underscore the need for continuous vigilance, robust regulatory oversight, and transparent communication. With growing passenger volumes and heightened public scrutiny, Ghana’s aviation sector must prioritize safety and restore public confidence to sustain its recent growth trajectory.