The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that all member countries will eliminate air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting January 1, 2026. This decision was made during the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024.
The measure is based on a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees. It aims to address concerns about the high cost of air travel in West Africa, which has affected tourism, trade, and the movement of people and goods within the region.
According to ECOWAS, implementation of these changes will be monitored by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. The organization expects this reform to lead to lower airfares, more passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines, and greater regional integration.
“The decision responds to long-standing concerns about the high cost of flying in West Africa, which has constrained tourism, trade and the free movement of persons and goods.”
“Implementation of the reform will be monitored by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, with the expected outcome of lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines and deeper regional integration.”