Directive targets soaring ticket prices as bloc moves to remove taxes on air transport services
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has directed all member states to fully implement a 25 per cent reduction in regional air transport charges, with effect from January 1, 2026, in a move aimed at easing the high cost of air travel across the subregion.
The directive was issued at the 68th ordinary session of ECOWAS, held on Sunday in Abuja, where regional leaders deliberated on economic integration, mobility, and the growing burden of air travel costs on citizens and businesses.
The reduction follows a decision reached by the bloc in June 2025 to cut passenger service charges and aviation security fees by 25 per cent, after sustained concerns over escalating air ticket prices within and outside West Africa.
Data from the African Airlines Association’s 2024 study on taxes and charges underscores the severity of the problem. The report ranked West Africa as the most expensive region in Africa to fly from, with passengers paying an average of 109.5 dollars in taxes, charges, and fees on international departures in 2022.
The study also showed that ECOWAS member states feature prominently among the continent’s most expensive countries for air travel. Gabon topped the list, followed by Sierra Leone and Nigeria, while Niger Republic, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana also ranked among the top 10 countries with the highest ticket-related taxes and charges.
Despite the high cost of flying, Central and Western Africa remain important aviation markets. Figures show that the two regions together accounted for 18.5 per cent of Africa’s total air traffic in the first quarter of 2025, making them the third-largest air transport region on the continent during the period.
In a communique issued at the end of the summit, ECOWAS leaders went further by directing member states to remove taxes currently imposed on air transport services. The bloc said the decision aligns with the principles and procedures of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which discourage the taxation of air transport services based on charges that are not cost-related, transparent, or directly linked to service delivery.
According to the communique, the continued imposition of multiple and uncoordinated taxes has contributed significantly to inflated airfares, reduced passenger traffic, and weakened the competitiveness of regional airlines.
The leaders also directed the ECOWAS Commission to work closely with ministries of finance and air transport across member states to ensure uniform and strict compliance with the directive, warning that inconsistent implementation could undermine the policy’s intended impact.
ECOWAS said the measures are expected to stimulate regional connectivity, support tourism and trade, and advance economic integration, particularly as the region positions itself to benefit from increased intra-African travel and commerce.
With the January 2026 implementation date now fixed, member states are expected to begin adjusting their aviation and fiscal frameworks to reflect the directive, amid growing pressure to balance revenue needs with the broader economic benefits of affordable air travel.
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