The Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at their Summit held in December 2024 in Abuja, adopted a landmark measure aimed at lowering the cost of air travel across the region. From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will remove taxes applied to air transport and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent.

This decision comes against the backdrop of years of stunted growth in the region’s air transport sector, largely due to excessive taxes, charges and, in some instances, fees, which together suppress travel demand. This situation has limited governments’ ability to mobilise adequate revenue for investment in airport infrastructure and services, thereby reducing the sector’s attractiveness as a driver of economic development. The resulting cycle of high taxation, low travel volumes and constrained revenue has continued to weigh down the air transport sector, despite the sustained efforts of regional airlines.

The Summit also took into account the consistent concerns raised by passengers, airlines and industry experts over the high cost of air travel in West Africa. Studies conducted by ECOWAS, the African Union, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have consistently shown that West Africa is among the most expensive regions in the world to fly. Currently, passengers are required to pay up to 66 separate charges, while airlines face more than 100 fees when operating flights. Compared to global averages, costs in the ECOWAS region are 85 percent higher for regional flights and 82 percent higher for international routes.

These high airfares have far-reaching consequences. They discourage travel, limit trade opportunities, slow down tourism development and undermine ECOWAS’s flagship programme of the free movement of persons and goods. While Northern Africa accounts for about 40 percent of Africa’s air traffic, West Africa struggles with barely half that share, with only one route in the region,  Accra-Lagos, featuring among the ten busiest intra-African connections.

By adopting the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees, ECOWAS is addressing these structural challenges in a comprehensive manner. The new policy aligns with the principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Chicago Convention, which promote fair, transparent and non-discriminatory aviation practices worldwide. It is also designed to enhance the competitiveness of West African airlines, strengthen airports and stimulate investment in aviation infrastructure.

The expected benefits of the reform are substantial. Ticket prices could fall by as much as 40 percent, making air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population. Airlines are expected to carry more passengers, while airports and surrounding communities will benefit from increased traffic and economic activity. Tourism and business travel are projected to expand, while governments are expected, in the long term, to generate increased revenue from a stronger and more dynamic air transport sector.

The implementation of this reform will require the cooperation of all stakeholders. Although, by its legal regime, Supplementary Acts adopted by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government are automatically binding and applicable, Member States are required to make the necessary amendments to their national laws, policies and related documentation to ensure uniform application of the Act. Airlines are also expected to pass on the cost reductions to passengers through lower fares.

To this end, the ECOWAS Commission will monitor implementation through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and will continue to promote complementary initiatives, including regional aircraft leasing, joint maintenance facilities and harmonised safety standards.

Beyond cost reduction, the reform is expected to deepen regional integration by facilitating the movement of people, goods and services. More affordable air transport will enable families to connect more easily, expand cross-border business opportunities and strengthen the socio-economic ties that bind the region together.

As the region looks ahead to 2026, the skies over West Africa are expected to become more open, competitive and accessible, bringing tangible benefits to travellers and contributing to the growth of the regional economy.