Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted sweeping reforms aimed at lowering the cost of air travel across the region — reforms set to take effect from 1 January 2026. At its December 2024 Summit, the bloc’s Heads of State and Government endorsed a regional Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees, committing member states to abolish certain air transport taxes and slash passenger and security charges by 25 per cent.
The move targets a major barrier to regional connectivity. According to ECOWAS officials, fees, taxes and other charges currently comprise almost half of the total cost of typical air tickets in West Africa — among the highest globally. By eliminating non-compliant taxes and cutting key airport charges, the bloc aims to make air travel more affordable, stimulate passenger traffic, and deepen economic integration across member states.
To ensure the reforms deliver real benefits, ECOWAS has mandated the establishment of a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, responsible for monitoring implementation of the policy across all member states. Experts believe the policy — if properly enforced — could spur a surge in regional air travel demand, strengthen local airlines, stimulate tourism, and foster freer movement of people and goods.
For ordinary West African travellers — whether visiting relatives, exploring commerce, or pursuing business — the reforms promise more than just lower fares: they mark a step toward enhanced regional connectivity and potentially greater economic opportunity for millions across the ECOWAS region.
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