ECOWAS moves to cut air transport charges across West Africa from Jan 1

The Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have approved a landmark measure to slash air transport taxes and charges across the sub-region, beginning 1st January 2026.

At the December 2024 ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, the leaders endorsed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees, which mandates all Member States to abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger service and security charges by 25 per cent.

The decision marks a significant step toward making regional air travel more affordable and competitive, addressing long-standing concerns over the high cost of flying within West Africa.

According to ECOWAS, the implementation of the reform will be supervised through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, coordinated by the ECOWAS Commission. The body will monitor compliance and assess the policy’s impact on airfares, passenger traffic and airline performance.

More details to come…