The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed major reforms intended to reduce the high cost of air travel within the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission said that Heads of State and Government, at their December 2024 Summit in Abuja, approved a policy to eliminate taxes on air transport and to cut passenger and security charges by 25 per cent, beginning from 1 January 2026.
The Commission explained that the decision came after years of slow progress in West Africa’s aviation industry, which has been heavily affected by excessive taxes, charges that suppress travel demand and limit investment in airport infrastructure.
Research conducted 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 costliest regions for air travel, with passengers in some cases paying up to 66 different charges, while airlines face more than 100 separate fees.
ECOWAS cautioned that high airfares reduce passenger movement, weaken tourism, restrict trade and undermine its free movement and regional integration objectives.
According to the statement, the approval of the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees is intended to tackle these longstanding structural problems and bring the region closer to global aviation standards.
The organisation said the reforms are expected to reduce ticket costs, boost passenger numbers, strengthen regional airlines, improve airport activities and expand economic opportunities for communities.
Member states have been instructed to amend their national laws and policies to guarantee full implementation, while airlines are required to transfer the cost reductions directly to passengers.
ECOWAS added that it will supervise compliance through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and support additional initiatives such as shared aircraft maintenance centres and harmonised aviation safety standards.
The Commission said the reforms could bring down ticket prices by up to 40 per cent, enhance regional integration and make air travel more accessible for families, businesses and communities throughout West Africa, while also reinforcing the aviation sector’s long-term revenue base.
