Starbow Airlines: Domestic Flights in Ghana

About Starbow Airlines

Starbow Airlines, legally known as Aero Surveys Limited, was a privately owned Ghanaian airline headquartered in Accra. Founded in 1995 as Aero Surveys Limited and incorporated in October 1997, it initially operated under the name Air Shuttle, providing domestic charter and air taxi services using Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante aircraft. The airline obtained its Air Operator's Certificate in August 2009.

In 2011, following a change in ownership, the airline rebranded to Starbow and shifted focus to scheduled regional and domestic passenger services. It acquired BAe 146-300 jet aircraft and launched operations from Kotoka International Airport on September 26, 2011, initially serving Kumasi and Tamale. Takoradi was added as a destination in November 2011.

Starbow briefly expanded internationally in 2012 with flights to Cotonou, Benin, and Abidjan, Ivory Coast, but suspended these routes in early 2013 due to poor performance. The airline faced several operational challenges, including aging aircraft and multiple incidents. It transitioned to ATR 72 aircraft in later years.

Starbow's destinations included:

• Kumasi (Kumasi Airport)
• Tamale (Tamale Airport)
• Takoradi (Takoradi Airport)
• Cotonou (Cadjehoun Airport) - briefly
• Abidjan (Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport) - briefly

With frequent daily flights, Starbow's services made domestic travel in Ghana efficient and accessible. However, following a serious accident on November 25, 2017, involving an ATR 72-500 that veered off the runway during takeoff from Accra, the airline suspended all operations. It ceased permanently in late 2017 amid safety concerns and financial difficulties, effectively going bankrupt.

Timing is Everything

For domestic flights in Ghana, booking 1-2 months in advance often yields the best prices. Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are typically cheaper than weekends. Use fare calendars on sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to spot the lowest fares.

Consider Alternative Routes

Accra isn't the only hub. Check flights from regional airports like Kumasi or Tamale if applicable. For longer trips, combining flights with bus services can save money.

Use a Flight Finder

Tools like flight search engines compare prices across airlines like AWA and PassionAir. Set up price alerts to get notified when fares drop on routes like Accra to Kumasi.

Mix and Match

Book one-way flights with different carriers if it offers better deals, especially during peak seasons like holidays.

Try a Flightscanner

Comprehensive flightscanner services aggregate deals from multiple sources, helping you find bargains for domestic routes.

Google Flights Explore

If flexible, use Google Flights search anywhere feature to see the cheapest domestic destinations from your starting point in Ghana.