ECOWAS Orders 25% Reduction in Regional Air Travel Charges From 2026

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has directed all member countries to implement a 25 per cent reduction in regional air transport charges beginning January 1, 2026.

The resolution was adopted at the bloc’s 68th Ordinary Session held on Sunday in Abuja and follows an earlier announcement made in June. The measure is aimed at easing the rising cost of air travel across West Africa by cutting passenger and security-related charges.

Data from the African Airlines Association’s (AFRAA) 2024 study on taxes and charges showed that West Africa was the most expensive region for air travel in 2022, with international passengers paying an average of $109.5 in taxes, fees and charges per departure.

Countries identified among the top ten globally for the highest ticket-related charges included Gabon, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, alongside Niger, Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Guinea and Ghana.

ECOWAS also noted that Central and West Africa accounted for 18.5 per cent of Africa’s total air traffic in the first quarter of 2025, ranking the region third on the continent.

In a communiqué issued after the summit, ECOWAS leaders further instructed member states to remove taxes imposed on air transport services, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) principles on transparency and service-related charges.

The ECOWAS Commission has been mandated to work with national ministries of finance and aviation to ensure consistent implementation and full compliance with the directive across the region.