Member states to witness a 25% drop in air travel charges from 2026
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a 25 percent reduction in air travel fees, effective January 2026.
The decision follows a meeting of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit in Abuja in December 2024.
Under the adopted Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes, and Fees, all ECOWAS member states will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent, starting January 1, 2026.
The measure aims to address long-standing issues of high air travel costs within West Africa, which have negatively impacted tourism, trade, and the free movement of people and goods.
ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency
West Africa has long struggled with some of the highest air travel costs globally, worsened by excessive taxes, charges, and fees. Passengers often face up to 66 different charges, while airlines contend with over 100 fees.
ECOWAS noted that these structural barriers have stifled the aviation sector’s potential, limiting tourism, trade, and regional mobility.
Implementation of the reforms will be overseen by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.
The expected outcomes include lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines, and enhanced regional integration.
SP/MA
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