In a statement on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission said Heads of State and Government at their December 2024 Summit in Abuja adopted a policy to remove taxes on air transport and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent, effective January 1, 2026.
The reforms follow years of sluggish growth in West Africa’s aviation sector, largely attributed to excessive taxes, charges, and fees that have suppressed travel demand and weakened 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 over 100 different fees.
ECOWAS warned that high airfares discourage travel, hinder tourism, slow trade, and undermine its free movement and regional integration agenda.
The adoption of the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes, and Fees is expected to lower ticket prices, increase passenger traffic, strengthen regional airlines, boost airport operations, and create economic opportunities for host communities. Member states have been directed to amend national laws to ensure implementation, while airlines are expected to pass cost reductions directly to passengers.
The Commission added that compliance will be monitored through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, alongside support for joint aircraft maintenance and harmonised aviation safety standards.
ECOWAS projects that the reforms could reduce ticket prices by up to 40 percent, deepen regional integration, and make air travel more accessible to families, businesses, and communities across West Africa.
