West African travellers will soon pay far less to fly as ECOWAS leaders have agreed to scrap all air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25% starting January 1, 2026. The bold move, sealed at the December 2024 Heads of State Summit in Abuja, targets the sky-high costs that have kept regional air travel out of reach for most people.
The decision comes after years of complaints from airlines, passengers, and businesses. A joint study by ECOWAS, the African Union, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that West Africa is one of the priciest regions to fly in the world. Passengers often face up to 66 different charges on a single ticket, while airlines pay over 100 fees per flight. These extra costs, the report said, kill demand, scare off investors, and leave airports struggling to upgrade.
ECOWAS said the new Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees will fix that. “From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will remove taxes applied to air transport and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent,” the Commission stated. The policy follows global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Chicago Convention, which push for fair, clear, and equal treatment in aviation.
The changes are expected to deliver big wins. Ticket prices could drop by as much as 40%, making flights between Lagos and Accra, Abuja and Dakar, or Port Harcourt and Abidjan cheaper than ever. More people flying means fuller planes for airlines like Air Peace, Arik Air, and ASKY. Airports will see more traffic, creating jobs in catering, retail, and ground handling. Tourism gets a boost as visitors find it easier to hop between countries. Trade also grows—fresh fish from Senegal, fabrics from Ghana, or electronics from Nigeria move faster and cheaper.
The Commission warned that high airfares have hurt the region’s own goals. ECOWAS has long promoted free movement of people and goods, but expensive flights keep citizens grounded. “This situation has limited governments’ ability to mobilise adequate revenue for investment in airport infrastructure and services,” the statement read. With lower costs, governments should earn more in the long run from a busier aviation sector.
Member states now have until the end of 2025 to update their national laws and aviation policies. Airlines must pass the savings straight to passengers—no holding back. ECOWAS will watch closely through a new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism to make sure everyone plays by the rules.
This is not the first time ECOWAS has tackled aviation costs. In 2017, the bloc launched the Yamoussoukro Decision to open skies across Africa, but progress stalled due to protectionism and high fees. The 2026 reforms go further by directly cutting taxes and charges, not just opening routes.
Other plans are in the works too. ECOWAS wants joint aircraft maintenance centres to save airlines millions in overseas repairs. Safety rules will be harmonised so one country’s certification works across the region. A single air navigation system is also on the table to reduce delays and fuel burn.
For Nigerian travellers, the impact will be immediate. Domestic and regional routes, already strained by fuel costs and naira fluctuations, stand to gain the most. A return ticket from Lagos to Cotonou or Niamey could fall from over ₦300,000 to under ₦200,000. Business travellers, students, and families planning holidays in Ghana or Cape Verde will feel the relief.