ECOWAS announces 25% reduction in Air travel charges effective January 2026

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a 25 percent reduction in air travel-related fees across the region, a major step aimed at making air transport more affordable and boosting regional integration. The new charges take effect on January 1, 2026.

The decision stems from resolutions adopted during the December 2024 ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit in Abuja. Under the new Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes, and Fees, member states will eliminate air transport taxes and cut passenger-related and security charges by 25 percent.

The reform is intended to tackle the historically high cost of air travel within West Africa—a challenge long blamed on an overwhelming number of taxes and charges imposed on both passengers and airlines. Currently, passengers can be subjected to as many as 66 different levies, while airlines face more than 100 fees across the region.

ECOWAS says these excessive structural costs have hampered the growth of the aviation industry, restricting tourism, trade, and the free movement of people and goods within the sub-region.

To ensure effective implementation, the ECOWAS Commission will supervise the process through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

The initiative is expected to lead to lower ticket prices, increased air passenger traffic, strengthened regional airlines, and deeper economic and social integration across West Africa.