Starbow
A former Ghanaian scheduled airline that operated domestic and limited regional services from Accra before ceasing operations in 2017.
About Starbow
Starbow was a privately owned Ghanaian scheduled airline founded in 2011. It began commercial operations in September of that year under the IATA code S9 and ICAO code IKM. The carrier developed its identity around convenient domestic air links, offering an alternative to lengthy overland journeys between Accra and Ghana’s principal regional cities. Starbow ceased operating in November 2017 and is no longer an active airline.
The airline’s primary hub was Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Its core network linked the capital with Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi, while Sunyani also appeared in its domestic network at various times. Starbow briefly expanded beyond Ghana with regional services, including a route to Monrovia in Liberia, but domestic flying remained the central part of its business throughout most of its operational life.
Starbow initially became closely associated with BAe 146 regional jets, whose short-haul capabilities suited its relatively compact network. It subsequently introduced ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, which are commonly used on regional routes with moderate passenger demand. Flights were primarily configured around economy-class travel rather than an extensive range of cabin products, reflecting the short duration and practical nature of the airline’s domestic services.
The carrier did not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld and was not known to operate a major frequent-flyer programme. Its network was largely independent, without the extensive connecting and reciprocal-benefit arrangements offered by global alliance airlines. Travellers therefore generally selected Starbow for its schedules and direct domestic links rather than mileage earning, elite-status recognition or access to a broad international partner network.
Starbow’s main strength was the connectivity it provided between Accra and important Ghanaian commercial and administrative centres. However, its operating history was affected by fleet and reliability challenges. Following an accident involving an ATR 72 during departure from Accra on 25 November 2017, the airline suspended services and did not resume operations. Starbow should consequently be treated as a historical carrier rather than an option for present-day bookings.
Good to know
Flying with Starbow — what to expect
No Longer Operating
Starbow suspended flights in November 2017 and did not return to service. Tickets advertised today under its former name or S9 code should be treated cautiously.
Former Accra Hub
The airline based its operations at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, with most flights serving domestic Ghanaian cities.
Historical Fleet
Starbow operated BAe 146 regional jets and later ATR 72 turboprops. These aircraft were used for relatively short domestic and regional sectors.
No Loyalty Programme
Starbow was not known to have a major frequent-flyer programme, and it did not participate in any of the three global airline alliances.
Check Alternative Airlines
Travellers seeking the former Accra–Kumasi, Accra–Tamale or Accra–Takoradi links should compare services from currently operating Ghanaian carriers.
Reviews of Starbow
TripAdvisor · 2017–2017- 50
- 43
- 30
- 21
- 10
What travellers flew
Counted from the 4 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Friendly and competent
We had a smooth flight. We we're served cookies and excellent fruit juice. The airport staff at Tamale was very friendly. When they discovered a laptop in our checked-in bagage at the x-ray, they found us in the waiting area and gave us the opportunity to take… See more it out for it not to be damaged.
See lessPosted September 2017 by LikeditNijmegen
Competent, good prices
I have made several trips with Starbow between Accra and Tamale. The flights are sometimes delayed for up to an hour. I have never been canceled. The cabin crew and ground staff are helpful. I make my reservations online and that works fine.
Posted August 2017 by Ed L, Grants Pass
Cancelled without informing
I went with Starbow from Accra to Kumasi and although the trip was slightly delayed it was overall not a bad experience. However, on the return trip I arrived at the airport to find that my flight had been cancelled and that nobody had alerted me to this. I… See more had to catch a flight from the other airline (AWA) in order to catch my connecting flight from Accra. However, they required that I pay extra and be on the waiting list. Thankfully the AWA flight was delayed for 2 hours therefore I was able to get a seat on that flight.
See lessPosted August 2017 by jchuii, Newcastle upon Tyne
Short trip to Damang
I made two trips on Starbow Airlines back and forth to Accra. It is a very short trip time-wise but the cabin crews are friendly, efficient and great looking. A small packet of biscuits, water and fruit juice is served with a minimum of fuss and baggage is… See more handled well and you see it going on and off the flight. This is always re-assuring when traveling on internal flights in Africa. The aircraft are clean and well presented and I must say this is one of my better experiences.
See lessPosted February 2017 by Nigel B, Johannesburg
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from Ghana
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FAQ
Starbow — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Starbow has no current carry-on allowance because it no longer operates. Historical baggage rules should not be used when booking with another airline, whose own limits will apply.
- Starbow currently serves zero destinations because it ceased operations in 2017. During its operating years, it served several domestic cities and a limited number of regional routes.
- Starbow’s primary hub was Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The airline is no longer operating.
- Starbow flights principally departed from Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi were also important points within its former domestic network.
- Starbow does not currently fly anywhere. Its former network included Ghanaian cities such as Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi and Sunyani, as well as a period of regional service to Monrovia.
- Starbow tickets are no longer sold because the airline ceased operations in 2017. For comparable domestic Ghanaian flights, fares are often better when booked early and outside major holidays or peak travel periods.
- Starbow has no current longest route because it no longer flies. Monrovia was among the more distant destinations in its former network, while Accra–Tamale was one of its longer core domestic sectors.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Since Starbow no longer operates, searches will instead surface available flights from active carriers where relevant.