Air Transport Ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently gathered in Lomé, Togo, to tackle high air transport costs and improve aviation security across the region. The meeting also considered a proposal for compensating passengers in cases of excessive flight delays. This ministerial gathering followed earlier consultations by experts aimed at formulating strategies for more affordable, efficient, and secure air transport services to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration.
The discussions focused on developing strategies and policies to lower air travel costs, which are currently among the highest globally. In West Africa, charges, taxes, and fees account for nearly 50% of the total air ticket cost. The ministers aim to harmonize these costs through a regional Supplementary Act in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They also adopted a regional regulation concerning common basic standards and measures applicable to aviation security. These efforts align with directives from the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government during their 65th Ordinary Session in July 2024.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, M. Sédiko Douka stated that “high air travel costs in West Africa serve as a barrier to trade and regional integration. Aligning our aviation taxes with global standards is imperative to make air travel more accessible and competitive.”
Honourable Sani Yaya, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure of the Togolese Republic emphasized collaborative action by stating that harmonizing aviation charges and enhancing security will attract investments, bolster tourism, and strengthen economic cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
Ministers are working towards establishing a unified regional framework aimed at reducing airfares to make air travel more affordable for citizens and businesses. Key priorities include eliminating all taxes not aligned with ICAO recommendations and reducing two main charges—passengers and security—by 25%. These reforms must be applied by all Member States before January 1, 2026. They are expected to drive passenger traffic, stimulate economic growth, facilitate free movement within the region, and deepen regional integration.
A one-year transition period will allow countries to make necessary fiscal provisions and preparations for smooth implementation. ECOWAS plans accompanying measures such as resource mobilization to support projects in countries. An Oversight Committee will monitor adherence along with other support projects like a regional aircraft leasing company.
The deliberations resulted in recommendations for presentation at the upcoming ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Heads of State Summit in December 2024. These strategic recommendations aim to solidify reforms transforming West Africa’s aviation sector into an economic growth cornerstone.
Finally, ministers agreed on implementing these decisions no later than January 1, 2026, with an Oversight Committee established to monitor cost reduction processes.
This effort underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to sustainable development through an efficient air transport sector.
