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.
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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.
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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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