The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved sweeping reforms to reduce the cost of air travel across the sub-region significantly.
The ECOWAS Commission, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the decision was taken by Heads of State and Government at the organisation’s December 2024 Summit held in Abuja. The leaders adopted a policy framework that removes certain taxes on air transport and mandates a 25 per cent reduction in passenger service and security charges, effective from January 1, 2026.
According to the Commission, the reforms followed years of slow growth in West Africa’s aviation sector, largely attributed to excessive taxes, charges and fees that suppress travel demand and discourage investment in airport infrastructure.
Studies by ECOWAS, the African Union, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that West Africa remains one of the most expensive regions in the world to travel by air. Passengers, the studies showed, sometimes pay up to 66 different charges, while airlines contend with more than 100 separate fees.
ECOWAS warned that high airfares discourage passenger movement, slow tourism development, hinder trade and undermine the bloc’s free movement and regional integration agenda.
The Commission said the adoption of the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees is intended to address these structural challenges and align the region’s aviation sector with international standards.
It added that the reforms are expected to lower ticket prices, increase passenger traffic, strengthen regional airlines, boost airport operations and create wider economic opportunities for communities hosting aviation infrastructure.
Member states have been directed to amend their national laws and policies to ensure full implementation of the reforms, while airlines are expected to pass the benefits of reduced charges directly to passengers.
ECOWAS also said it would monitor compliance through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and support complementary initiatives such as joint aircraft maintenance facilities and harmonised aviation safety standards.
The Commission projected that the reforms could reduce air 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.