What You Need to Know
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a historic reduction in airline ticket prices starting January 1, 2026. This initiative includes the elimination of taxes on air transport and a 25% reduction in passenger and security fees, aimed at improving economic integration and travel within the region.
Africa. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced an unprecedented reduction in airline ticket prices within the region, effective January 1, 2026. This will be achieved by eliminating taxes imposed on air transport and reducing passenger and security fees by 25%.
For years, West Africa has experienced a significant increase in domestic flight prices, with travel between capitals such as Dakar and Abidjan or Lome and Lagos sometimes costing more than flights to Europe.
This situation, which has posed challenges to mobility and economic integration, is expected to change following the decision made by ECOWAS leaders during their summit in Abuja in December 2024.
Radical Reform of the Sector
The decision is based on two fundamental pillars: the complete elimination of all taxes imposed on air transport in ECOWAS countries, representing a radical shift in the financial policy of the sector.
The second pillar involves reducing passenger and security fees by 25%, a measure that will directly affect the final ticket price.
This reform aims to align operational costs in the region with international standards, enhancing the competitiveness of local airlines and increasing the attractiveness of air travel within West Africa.
To ensure that travelers directly benefit from this reduction, the ECOWAS Economic Commission announced the establishment of a regional mechanism to monitor air transport.
The task of this mechanism will be to oversee the implementation of the reform and ensure that it is not exploited by companies or airports to increase their profits, in addition to monitoring passenger movement and assessing member states’ compliance with the decision.
With the decision set to take effect in early 2026, the aviation sector in West Africa is expected to undergo a qualitative transformation, paving the way for greater freedom of movement, enhancing trade and tourism opportunities, and representing a practical step towards building a more integrated and open economic space for the region’s citizens.
West Africa has faced rising airline ticket prices for years, with flights between capitals like Dakar and Abidjan often costing more than those to Europe. This situation has hindered mobility and economic integration in the region. The recent decision by ECOWAS leaders during their summit in Abuja in December 2024 marks a significant shift in this trend, aiming to facilitate easier travel and bolster regional trade and tourism.
The reforms introduced by ECOWAS are based on two main pillars: the complete removal of taxes on air transport and a reduction in passenger and security fees.
