ECOWAS has approved a major reform to reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa, effective January 1, 2026, with the abolition of air transport taxes and a 25 percent reduction in passenger and security charges across all member states.
The decision, taken by the Heads of State and Government at the December 2024 Summit in Abuja, is anchored in a new Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees.
It follows years of concern over the region’s high aviation charges, which have made West Africa one of the most expensive regions to fly globally, undermining tourism, trade and regional mobility. These charges have also weakened the competitiveness of West African carriers, many of which continue to struggle against foreign airlines.
The ECOWAS Authority had previously cautioned that the cost of air travel was stifling the development of the regional aviation industry and limiting the free movement of persons and services. Air Transport Ministers and Civil Aviation Authorities were therefore instructed to work with the ECOWAS Commission to implement a unified aviation charges policy.
The newly adopted measure is expected to ease the financial burden on passengers, boost air traffic, strengthen regional airlines and enhance economic integration within the bloc.
Member states have also committed to removing barriers to the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, particularly restrictions on traffic rights and airline designations.
The reform aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 for aviation, which seeks to build a seamless regional air transport system that offers safe, reliable and affordable air services with strong global connectivity.
Implementation of the new measures will be monitored through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism to ensure compliance and transparency among airport operators, air navigation service providers and aviation regulators.
