The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed a sweeping reform package intended to make air travel more affordable across the region, following decisions reached at the December 2024 Heads of State and Government Summit in Abuja.
Under the new measures, which take effect on January 1, 2026, all ECOWAS member states will abolish existing air travel tariffs and implement a 25% reduction in passenger service and security charges. The move is anchored in the Supplemental (Additional) Act governing taxes, fees, and charges in the regional aviation sector.
This landmark decision comes in response to years of public concern over the high cost of flying within West Africa, an issue widely blamed for suppressing tourism, weakening regional trade, and hindering the free movement of people and goods under ECOWAS integration protocols.
The ECOWAS Commission will supervise the rollout of the policy through a Regional Air Transport Economic Monitoring Mechanism, designed to track compliance and assess economic impact. Officials say the reforms are expected to result in lower airfare prices, increased passenger volumes, stronger regional airlines, and deeper economic and social integration among member states.
The initiative marks one of the most ambitious attempts in decades to harmonize aviation charges in West Africa and remove cost barriers that have long discouraged intra-regional travel.
Full Supplementary Act:
