ECOWAS has announced a sweeping removal of air transport taxes across all its member states, accompanied by a 25% reduction in passenger and security charges an unprecedented policy shift designed to make flying within the subregion significantly more affordable.
According to the regional body, the new measures will officially take effect from January 1, 2026, marking a major step toward improving regional mobility, promoting tourism, and stimulating economic cooperation among West African nations.
The decision follows prolonged industry concerns that excessive taxes and levies had made air transport within West Africa one of the most expensive in Africa, limiting passenger movement and slowing business growth.
Under the new regime, airlines and passengers are expected to benefit from lower operational costs, reduced ticket prices, and increased route competitiveness across cities in the ECOWAS bloc. Aviation analysts say the move could also attract more investors into the regional aviation sector, encourage more intra-African flights, and support the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Stakeholders across the aviation industry—including travel agencies, airlines, and frequent flyers—have welcomed the announcement, expressing optimism that it will ease financial burdens on travelers, expand tourism opportunities, and strengthen economic ties across West Africa.
ECOWAS describes the tax removal and charge reduction as a “strategic intervention” to enhance regional integration and ensure that air travel becomes more accessible to millions of citizens across its member states.
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