WASHINGTON -- The Transportation Department banned Ghana Airways
from service in the U.S. market as of July 28, and said it won't
let it resume until the airline can resolve "serious" concerns over
safety and an expired operating license.
The airline had been offering service from Accra, Ghana, to New
York [Kennedy] and Baltimore/Washington Airport. The DOT
acknowledged the service has been a "vital link" between the U.S.
and Western Africa.
The DOT said its decision was prompted by several factors,
including two incidents in which Ghana used a particular aircraft
for the services despite an order from Federal Aviation
Administration inspectors to ground the aircraft until safety
questions could be resolved. The DOT also said the airline
continued to operate even though its operating license expired in
mid-July.
Because the airline allowed its license to lapse, regulations
require a thorough review of an applicant before it can be renewed,
the DOT said.
The DOT said it has notified Ghana Airways that it expects the
airline to take "all possible steps" to address the needs of
affected passengers.
To contact reporter Andrew Compart, send e-mail to [email protected].