By Charles Pemu 
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved sweeping reforms aimed at dramatically reducing the high cost of air travel across the region, a long-standing barrier to trade and integration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission confirmed that the Heads of State and Government, at their December 2024 Summit in Abuja, adopted a key policy measure: the removal of taxes on air transport and a 25 percent reduction in passenger and security charges, effective from January 1, 2026.
The decision follows years of slow growth in West Africa’s aviation sector, which studies have attributed to excessive taxes, charges, and fees that suppress travel demand and weaken investment.
Joint studies by ECOWAS, the African Union, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that West Africa remains one of the most expensive regions globally to fly, with passengers sometimes facing up to 66 separate charges per ticket, while airlines grapple with over 100 different fees.
ECOWAS warned that these high airfares discourage passenger movement, slow tourism, hinder trade, and undermine the organization’s core agenda of free movement and regional integration.
The adopted Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees is designed to address these structural challenges and align the region with international aviation standards.
The organization stated that the reforms are expected to:
- Lower ticket prices, potentially by as much as 40 percent.
- Increase passenger traffic and strengthen regional airlines.
- Boost airport operations and create more economic opportunities.
Member states have been directed to amend their national laws and policies to ensure full implementation, and airlines are explicitly expected to pass the cost reductions directly to passengers. ECOWAS will monitor compliance through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and support complementary initiatives like joint aircraft maintenance and harmonized safety standards.