On December 9, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission announced a series of measures aimed at making air transport in West Africa more attractive. Since January 1, 2026, member states have abolished non-aviation taxes and reduced passenger and security charges by 25%. By easing charges that had accounted for up to 40% of the price of intra-ECOWAS tickets, the region aims to boost trade and regional mobility.
Since January 2026, airfares have fallen significantly, by as much as 40% within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The measure requires all member states to eliminate taxes not directly related to air transport and to apply a 25% reduction in passenger and security charges.
“Our Community will implement a historic measure aimed at reducing the cost of air travel in West Africa.”
Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of ECOWAS – Sierra Leone
Taxes and charges, which had previously accounted for up to 50% of the final price of an airline ticket, made West Africa one of the most expensive regions in the world for air travel, leaving it behind North Africa, which accounts for nearly 40% of the continent’s air traffic.
“Under this agreement, member states will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25%.”
Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of ECOWAS – Sierra Leone
The reform also forms part of the momentum behind the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), supported by the African Union to strengthen connectivity between countries across the continent. By facilitating the movement of travelers and economic operators, ECOWAS hopes to further boost regional tourism, investment and intra-African trade. West African airlines are also expected to become more competitive with the continent’s major aviation hubs.
“This is a bold affirmation of our collective determination to facilitate the movement of our people, deepen regional trade, boost tourism and strengthen the social and economic ties that define our Community.”
Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of ECOWAS – Sierra Leone
The reform is expected to have positive effects by stimulating regional demand, with traffic projected to increase by between 20% and 30%, while gradually addressing a major imbalance in which taxes and charges sometimes accounted for up to half of ticket prices. West Africa’s airspace is thus emerging as a genuine driver of growth and regional integration rather than an obstacle to development.
