The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a policy to reduce air ticket taxes across West Africa. All ECOWAS Member States will remove taxes applied to air transport and reduce passenger and security charges by 25%.
Studies have shown that West Africa is among the most expensive regions in the world in which to fly.
According to ECOWAS, passengers are required to pay up to 66 separate charges, while airlines pay more than 100. Compared with global averages, costs in the ECOWAS region are 85% higher for regional flights and 82% higher for international routes.
The Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees is expected to address the additional charges, with ECOWAS predicting that ticket prices could fall by nearly 40%.
“Although Supplementary Acts are automatically legally binding and applicable, Member States are required to make the necessary amendments to their national laws and policies to ensure uniform application of the Act. Airlines are also expected to pass the cost reductions to passengers through lower fares,” ECOWAS said in a statement.
A new Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism will be developed to monitor implementation.
