ECOWAS Moves To Slash Air Ticket Prices By 40%.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given approval to extensive reforms aimed at reducing the high cost of air transportation across West Africa.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission explained that the Heads of State and Government, during their December 2024 Summit in Abuja, endorsed a policy that removes taxes on air transport and reduces passenger and security charges by 25 per cent, beginning on 1 January 2026.

The Commission noted that this decision comes after years of limited growth in the aviation industry within West Africa, caused mainly by excessive taxes, charges and fees, which lower travel demand and discourage investment in airport facilities.

Findings 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 to fly, with passengers at times paying up to 66 separate charges, while airlines face more than 100 different fees.

ECOWAS stated that high airfares reduce passenger movement, slow down tourism, hinder trade and weaken its agenda for free movement and regional integration.

According to the statement, the adoption of the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees is intended to address these deep-rooted challenges and bring the region in line with global aviation practices.

The organisation said the reforms are projected to reduce ticket prices, increase passenger travel, strengthen regional airlines, improve airport operations and create more economic opportunities for the communities involved.

Member states have been instructed to adjust their national laws and policies to ensure full enforcement, while airlines are expected to pass on the cost reductions directly to passengers.

ECOWAS added that it will oversee compliance through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and support additional initiatives such as joint aircraft maintenance centres and harmonised aviation safety systems.

The Commission said the reforms could reduce ticket prices by up to 40 per cent, promote deeper regional integration and make air travel more affordable for families, businesses and communities throughout West Africa, while also strengthening the long-term financial stability of the aviation sector.