Freetown, 11th December 2025- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced sweeping reforms to reduce the cost of air travel across the region, beginning January 1, 2026. The measures, adopted at the December 2024 Summit in Abuja, are part of a landmark agreement aimed at making flying more affordable and strengthening regional integration.
Under the new framework, all ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent, in line with a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees. The decision fulfills commitments made during the 2024 meeting, where leaders pledged to address long‑standing concerns about the high cost of air travel in West Africa.
For years, expensive ticket prices have constrained tourism, trade, and the free movement of people and goods within the bloc. Officials say the reforms are expected to deliver lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines, and deeper economic integration.
Implementation will be overseen by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, ensuring compliance and monitoring the impact of the changes.
Regional aviation experts have welcomed the move, noting that West Africa has historically been one of the most expensive regions to fly, with multiple taxes and charges inflating ticket prices. The new measures, they argue, could transform the sector and unlock opportunities for growth across tourism and trade.
