The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has
directed member states to fully implement a 25 percent reduction in regional
air transport charges, effective from January 1, 2026.
ECOWAS gave the directive at its 68th ordinary session held
on Sunday in Abuja.
A decision to reduce passenger and security charges by 25
percent was made in June following surging air ticket prices in the region.
According to the 2024 taxes and charges study by the African
Airlines Association (AFRAA), West Africa was ranked as the most expensive
region to fly from with an average amount of $109.5 in taxes, charges and fees
paid for international departures in 2022.
In the top 10 most expensive countries in terms of ticket
taxes, charges and fees, Gabon ranked first, followed by Sierra Leone and
Nigeria.
Niger Republic, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana
also featured on the list.
In terms of air traffic, Central and Western Africa together
represented 18.5 percent of the continent’s traffic
during the first quarter of 2025, making it the third leading region.
In a communique issued after ECOWAS’ summit, the bloc’s
leaders also directed the removal of taxes levied on air transport services.
The authority said the decision is in compliance with the
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) principles and procedures on
taxes, fees and charges, which prohibit taxing of air transport services based
on non-relatedness, transparent and related pricing principles.
The leaders directed the commission to work with regional
ministries of finance and air transport to ensure a uniform and strict
compliance with the directive.
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