ECOWAS to Scrap Air Travel Taxes by 2026
A sweeping regional aviation reform is set to alter the cost of air travel across West Africa after leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approved a decisive policy removing air transport taxes and slashing several aviation-related charges.
The framework, finalised for rollout in January 2026, is expected to bring down flight costs across Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. PulseNets learnt that the new regime aims to position regional air travel as a more affordable, competitive, and accessible option for citizens and businesses.
According to details obtained by PulseNets, ECOWAS confirmed that “effective 1 January 2026, all member states will abolish air transport taxes and implement a 25% reduction in passenger and security charges, in reference to the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes, and Fees.”
The announcement, originally adopted in December 2024, had its implementation modalities formally concluded this week. Officials familiar with the negotiations told PulseNets that the bloc is targeting a steep reduction in operational barriers that have long discouraged inter-regional travel, tourism, and trade.
An ECOWAS representative emphasised the bloc’s long-term vision, stating, “Oversight of this major reform will be exercised through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, ensuring that the expected gains—reduced airfares, increased passenger flow, stronger regional airlines, and deeper economic integration—are achieved and sustained.”
Also Read: AU, ECOWAS, EU Close Ranks as U.S. Military Threats Against Nigeria Trigger Diplomatic Outrage
A review of current fares showed the magnitude of the anticipated relief. For example, a one-way Abuja–Accra ticket now averages N550,000, based on midweek checks on Africa World Airlines. Aviation analysts who spoke to PulseNets said that although the exact price drop remains uncertain, the elimination of taxes paired with reduced charges will likely trigger a visible decline in ticket costs once the policy takes effect.
