The actual expansion of Ahmed Sékou Touré/Gbessia International Airport in Conakry, Guinea begins
The actual expansion works of Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport, also known as the Gbessia International Airport in Conakry, Guinea, have begun. Officially launched over two years ago, the expansion project never really kicked off even as its capacity problems become more evident.
Also Read: Loan for construction of major interchange and roads in Conakry, Guinea
In 2022, the airport recorded traffic of nearly 630,000 against a reception capacity of approximately 500,000 passengers. According to Namory Camara, this figure (630,000 passengers) is set to triple over the next 20 years. Camara is the Managing Director of the Conakry Airport Management and Operating Company (SOGEAC).
Overview of the project for expansion of Ahmed Sékou Touré/Gbessia International Airport in Conakry
Also known as Gbessia International Airport, Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport was built in 1945. The airport serves Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea in West Africa.
In 2020, the President of the West African Republic, Professor Alpha Condé, launched a project to expand and modernize the facility. The project will feature the construction of a 32,000 m2 passenger terminal and a new 3,600 m² Cargo terminal.
In addition, the project scope comprises the construction of administrative buildings, a control tower, and a new fire station. Furthermore, it includes the construction of a new power plant, a presidential pavilion, a hotel complex, and interior roads.
The works are entrusted to Albayrak, a Turkish conglomerate that has 20 months to complete the project.
Expectations for the project
The new terminal upon completion will have the capacity to accommodate over one million passengers per year. The airport cargo handling capacity will also be quadrupled thanks to the new cargo terminal.
Generally, this project will enable the modernization and improvement of service levels and the safety and security of passengers, while generating growth in economic activity and ensuring a strong focus on environmental issues.
The aim is for the airport to obtain OACI certification shortly after the completion of the new passenger terminal.
Reported earlier
Oct 2020
Guinea: Construction of Gbessia-Conakry international airport kicks off
The construction work of the new Gbessia-Conakry international airport in Guinea has begun after the President of the West African Republic, Professor Alpha Condé, laid the foundation stone for the project. This comes following the signing of a 25-year concession contract with the Gbessia Airport Management Company (SOGEAG) for the development and financing of the project.
SOGEAG is a company formed by the Republic of Guinea, Africa50, and Groupe ADP towards the implantation of the project. The share capital is broken down as follows: 34% is held by the Republic of Guinea, 33% by Africa50, and 33% by Groupe ADP.
Groupe ADP brings to the table its expertise in the field of airport operations and Africa50, a Pan-African infrastructure investment platform, will bring its expertise in the development and financing of projects and will oversee the relationship between the private investors and the Guinean government which will focus on defining and monitoring compliance with the objectives.
