The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed that a Brussels Airlines flight headed for Lomé, Togo, made a forced return to Kotoka International Airport (KIA) shortly after take-off on the evening of Monday, July 20, following a technical fault.

The Authority confirmed this in a formal statement dated July 20, noting that Flight SN278 departed Accra at 6:06 p.m., experienced a technical problem while airborne, and was forced to return as a safety precaution after barely 15 minutes in the air.

“As a precautionary safety measure, the flight crew elected to return to Accra, where the aircraft landed safely at 6:18 p.m. Shortly after take-off, the crew detected a technical fault and, in line with standard safety protocols, requested to return to Accra. The aircraft landed safely at 6:18 p.m.,” the Authority said.

Consequently, the GCAA commended the crew for prioritising the safety of passengers and crew members by adhering to professional standards.

“The Authority commends the flight crew for their professionalism and adherence to safety procedures. Passenger and crew safety remains our highest priority,” parts of the statement read.

It further stated that the airline had cancelled the flight to investigate the cause of the fault and was providing the required assistance to affected passengers under the oversight of the GCAA.

“Brussels Airlines has cancelled Flight SN278 as a precaution. The technical fault is under investigation, and affected passengers are being assisted in accordance with the Ghana Civil Aviation (Economic) Directives, 2019,” it added.

According to the GCAA, affected passengers are receiving the necessary assistance from Brussels Airlines in accordance with Part 2 of the Ghana Civil Aviation (Economic) Directives, 2019, which deals with consumer protection.About the GCAA Directive

Part 2 of the Ghana Civil Aviation (Economic) Directives, 2019, Consumer Protection, sets out passengers’ rights and air operators’ obligations, covering denied boarding, cancellations, delays, compensation, care, and redress. It ensures travellers in Ghana are protected under clear rules modelled on international aviation standards.

What are the dictates?

The directives apply to all passengers who hold a valid ticket and confirmed reservation and who present themselves for check-in within the stipulated time. Airlines are required to provide passengers with timely and accurate information regarding their flights, including any delays, cancellations or schedule changes.

In cases of denied boarding, passengers who voluntarily give up their seats are entitled to the benefits agreed upon with the airline, in addition to the "Right to Care", which includes meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, transportation and communication services where necessary. Passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding are entitled to financial compensation, ranging from US$60 for domestic flights to between US$200 and US$600 for international flights, depending on the distance of the journey.

Where a flight is cancelled, passengers have the right to receive reimbursement for the unused portion of their ticket within seven days. They must also be offered the option of re-routing under comparable travel conditions either at the earliest available opportunity or at a later date that suits their convenience. Airlines are further required to provide meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation and transportation where an overnight stay becomes necessary.

The directives also provide protection for passengers affected by flight delays. Both domestic and international flights are subject to specific thresholds that determine the level of compensation and care to be provided. The regulations also explicitly cover tarmac delays.

Passengers are entitled to financial compensation depending on the nature and circumstances of the disruption. They also have the right to choose between reimbursement and re-routing when eligible. In addition, airlines are obligated to provide care, including meals, refreshments, accommodation, transportation and communication assistance during periods of disruption.

Special consideration is given to persons with disabilities, with airlines required to comply with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority's (GCAA) guidelines and instructions regarding the handling and assistance of such passengers.

The directives further provide that passengers may pursue additional compensation beyond what is prescribed under the regulations where applicable. They also have the right to seek redress by lodging complaints with the GCAA if they believe their rights have been violated.

Airlines are required to clearly and prominently inform passengers of their rights. They are prohibited from compelling passengers to waive any rights guaranteed under the directives. Additionally, airlines are barred from engaging in false, deceptive or misleading advertising and marketing practices.