The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved sweeping reforms aimed at reducing the high cost of air travel across the region.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission said that Heads of State and Government, at their December 2024 Summit in Abuja, adopted a policy to remove taxes on air transport and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent, effective from January 1, 2026.
The Commission said the move followed years of slow growth in West Africa’s aviation sector, largely caused by excessive taxes, charges and fees that suppress travel demand and weaken investment in airport infrastructure.
Studies by ECOWAS, the African Union, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that West Africa remains one of the most expensive regions to fly, with passengers sometimes paying up to 66 separate charges, while airlines face more than 100 different fees.
ECOWAS warned that high airfares discourage passenger movement, slow tourism, hinder trade and undermine its free movement and regional integration agenda.
According to the statement, the adoption of the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees is designed to address these structural challenges and align the region with international aviation standards.
The organisation said the reforms are expected to lower ticket prices, increase passenger traffic, strengthen regional airlines, boost airport operations and create more economic opportunities for host communities.
Member states have been directed to amend their national laws and policies to ensure full implementation, while airlines are expected to pass the cost reductions directly to passengers.
ECOWAS added that it will monitor compliance through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and support complementary initiatives such as joint aircraft maintenance facilities and harmonised aviation safety standards.
The Commission said the reforms could reduce ticket prices by as much as 40 per cent, deepen regional integration and make air travel more affordable for families, businesses and communities across West Africa, while strengthening the long-term revenue base of the aviation sector.
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