The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a major regional reform to reduce air travel costs across West Africa, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
On Wednesday, the West African community said the decision, first adopted at the December 2024 ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, will require all member states to end air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent.
The long-awaited move addresses persistent concerns over the high cost of intra-regional air travel, which has hindered tourism, trade and the free movement of people and goods.
According to the announcement, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a regional air transport economic oversight mechanism.
The changes, which are part of a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees, are expected to result in lower airfares, more passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines and deeper regional integration.
The reform also supports broader continental efforts such as the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area, reinforcing West Africa’s commitment to mobility, economic growth and unity.
