ECOWAS don approve wide reforms to reduce di high cost of air travel across West Africa, wey go make flying cheaper for passengers and boost aviation sector.
Di ECOWAS Commission talk say Heads of State and Government for December 2024 Summit for Abuja don adopt plan to remove taxes on air transport and reduce passenger plus security charges by 25%, wey go start January 1, 2026.
Dem say di move follow years of slow growth for aviation sector because of too much tax, charges and fees wey dey scare people from flying and dey discourage investment for airports.
Studies from ECOWAS, African Union, AFRAA and IATA show say West Africa still dey among di most expensive place to fly. Passengers fit dey pay up to 66 different charges, while airlines face over 100 fees.
ECOWAS warn say high ticket cost dey slow tourism, block trade, reduce passenger movement and dey affect free movement and regional integration goals.
According to di Commission, adoption of di Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees go help reduce ticket prices, increase passenger traffic, strengthen regional airlines, improve airport operations, and create economic opportunities for host communities.
Member states don receive order to change national laws to implement di reforms, while airlines supposed pass di reduced cost directly to passengers.
ECOWAS also say dem go dey monitor compliance through new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism and support initiatives like joint aircraft maintenance plus harmonised aviation safety standards.
Di reforms fit reduce ticket price reach 40%, deepen regional integration and make flying affordable for families, businesses, and communities across West Africa.
