ECOWAS moves to crash regional airfares, scrap aviation taxes from 2026

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a policy that will eliminate air transport taxes and slash key aviation charges across all member states from January 1, 2026.

The regional bloc announced on Wednesday that the measure, first adopted by Heads of State during the December 2024 Summit in Abuja has now been fully finalised for implementation.

The policy seeks to reduce the cost of flying between countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde and Niger.

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ECOWAS said all air transport taxes will be scrapped, while passenger and security charges will drop by 25 per cent in line with a new Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees.

The Commission described the decision as a major step toward revitalising the region’s aviation sector, which has long struggled under the weight of excessive fees.

For years, studies by ECOWAS, the African Union, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have shown that West Africa remains one of the world’s most expensive regions to fly, with passengers sometimes paying up to 66 different charges and airlines facing more than 100 fees.

ECOWAS warned that this cost burden has stifled travel demand, weakened airlines, limited investment in airport infrastructure and undermined its free movement agenda.

“With this reform, ECOWAS is taking bold action to tackle structural bottlenecks that have constrained the growth of air travel in the region.

“The expected outcome is lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines and deeper regional integration”, the Commission said in a statement.

Although current ticket prices vary, a one-way ticket from Abuja to Accra can cost as much as N550,000.

ECOWAS did not specify how much fares will fall, but projections in the Supplementary Act suggest ticket prices could drop by up to 40 per cent once the policy takes full effect.

The Commission said the move is also aligned with the principles of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Chicago Convention, which promote fair, transparent and non-discriminatory aviation practices globally.

It noted that cheaper flights will boost regional tourism, business travel and trade, while also stimulating airport activities and job creation in surrounding communities.

To ensure compliance, ECOWAS will monitor implementation through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Member states are required to amend national aviation laws and adjust local policies to conform to the new regime, while airlines are expected to transfer the cost reductions to passengers.

ECOWAS also said the policy will help strengthen West African airlines, deepen connectivity, and support broader initiatives such as joint aircraft maintenance facilities and harmonised safety standards.

“The overall impact will be a more integrated, affordable and competitive aviation market that benefits families, businesses and economies across the region,” the Commission added.