The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at reducing the cost of air travel within the region. Starting January 1, 2026, the bloc will implement a 25% reduction in passenger service and security charges for regional flights, part of a broader strategy to tackle the high cost of air travel that has long hindered mobility, trade, and economic integration in West Africa.
Studies have revealed that travelers across the ECOWAS region currently face an overwhelming number of charges. Passengers are subjected to 66 separate fees, while airlines are burdened with 112 distinct levies. This complex fee structure has made West Africa one of the most expensive regions for air travel in the world, further complicating efforts to enhance regional connectivity.
To address these challenges, the ECOWAS Commission convened a Committee of Aviation Experts, which recommended the adoption of a harmonized regional aviation strategy aligned with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). One of the central tenets of this strategy is the elimination of all non-compliant taxes, such as certain security and tourism-related levies.
The proposal’s centerpiece is the 25% cut in airport passenger service and security charges, which is expected to be enforced by January 2026. ECOWAS authorities have already begun detailed consultations with airport authorities and national civil aviation bodies to ensure a smooth transition.
In addition, the Committee has stressed the importance of airlines passing these savings onto travelers in the form of reduced ticket prices. This, they argue, will ensure that the benefits of the policy directly reach the region’s passengers.
To complement these efforts, airports across the region are being encouraged to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and seek new ways to boost non-aeronautical revenues to offset the reduction in charges. This dual approach aims to strike a balance between lowering costs for passengers and maintaining financial sustainability for airports.
