ECOWAS approves major reforms to cut air travel costs across West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved sweeping reforms aimed at reducing the cost of air travel within Nigeria and across the wider West African region.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ECOWAS Commission announced that Heads of State and Government, at their December 2024 summit in Abuja, endorsed measures that will abolish certain taxes on air transport and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent beginning January 1, 2026.

ECOWAS said the initiative follows years of slow growth in the region’s aviation sector, caused by excessive taxes, fees and charges that have restricted travel demand, weakened airline performance and discouraged investment in airport infrastructure.

Studies conducted by ECOWAS in partnership with the African Union, AFRAA and IATA show that West Africa remains one of the most expensive regions for air travel globally, with passengers facing up to 66 separate charges and airlines burdened by more than 100 fees.

The Commission warned that this cost environment undermines mobility, limits tourism, weakens trade links and hinders progress toward achieving free movement across the region.

According to the statement, the new Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees will standardise and reform aviation policies across member states, helping to address longstanding structural challenges and align West Africa with international aviation standards.

“Effective 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will eliminate taxes applied to air transport and cut passenger and security charges by 25 per cent. This decision follows years of stagnation in the region’s aviation sector, driven largely by excessive taxes, charges and fees that have suppressed travel demand.

“Ticket prices may drop by up to 40 per cent, airlines are expected to carry more passengers, and airports and surrounding communities will benefit from increased traffic and economic activity,” the statement said.

The Commission added that national governments must amend their domestic laws to ensure full implementation, while airlines are expected to pass the reductions on to travellers. Compliance will be tracked through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

ECOWAS also reaffirmed its commitment to additional regional aviation initiatives, including joint maintenance facilities and harmonised safety standards.