AWA Debunks Kumasi Airport Evacuation Reports, Says Aircraft Was on Demonstration Flight

Africa World Airlines (AWA) has dismissed reports suggesting that passengers were evacuated from an aircraft at the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi, explaining that the aircraft involved was undertaking a demonstration flight.

The airline’s clarification follows reports and public speculation surrounding an incident at the Kumasi airport, which reportedly raised concerns about the safety of passengers and airport operations.

According to AWA, the aircraft was not involved in a passenger emergency that required an evacuation. Instead, it was carrying out a demonstration flight, a procedure commonly undertaken to showcase an aircraft’s operational capabilities and performance.

The aircraft involved was identified as AWA’s Embraer E190, which began demonstration flights on November 5, 2026, ahead of its planned introduction into commercial operations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, November 7, the airline explained that the demonstration exercises were mandatory under the regulatory requirements of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

AWA said the flights must be completed before the aircraft can receive clearance to operate scheduled commercial services. The exercises are designed to allow aviation regulators to assess the aircraft’s operational readiness and ensure that it meets the necessary safety requirements.

The airline further clarified that only flight crew members and GCAA inspectors were on board during the demonstration flights. No commercial passengers were involved in the exercise, making reports of passengers being evacuated inaccurate.

AWA emphasised that demonstration flights are a standard procedure whenever a new aircraft type is being introduced into an airline’s operations. The process is conducted under regulatory supervision to confirm that the aircraft and its operational procedures satisfy the required aviation standards.

The airline’s clarification comes amid growing public interest in aviation safety, particularly when reports of possible aircraft malfunctions circulate on social media.

AWA has consequently urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard the misleading reports and obtain accurate information about its operations through the airline’s official communication channels.

The company also warned that it reserves the right to take appropriate action against individuals who knowingly disseminate false information about its operations.

The clarification is expected to reassure travellers and members of the public that the reported incident at Prempeh I International Airport was not a passenger emergency, but part of the regulatory process ahead of the Embraer E190’s commercial introduction.

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