West Africans may finally catch a break from the painfully high cost of flights, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed plans to abolish all air ticket taxes across the region starting January 1, 2026. This single decision, years in the making, could reshape regional travel, boost trade, and make cross-border trips far more affordable for everyday people.
Why is ECOWAS Scrapping Taxes?
According to ECOWAS Director of Transport and Telecommunications, Chris Appiah, West Africa currently holds the notorious title of having the most expensive air transport costs in Africa. The reason is simple: taxes, taxes, and more taxes. 
The Director stated that studies spanning almost a decade show that 64% to 70% of a typical ticket price in West Africa comes from government-imposed taxes and aviation charges. These taxes also violate International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines, which discourage excessive charges that suppress travel demand.
Appiah didn’t mince words: “If you want to buy goods from Lagos to Dakar, a trader pays not less than $3,000 in tickets, and a lot of that is taxes.”
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency: Here’s What’s Happening in West Africal
What Exactly Will Change in 2026?
From January 2026:
- All air transport taxes will be abolished across ECOWAS airports.
- Aviation charges will drop by 25% as mandated by a supplementary act adopted by Heads of State in December 2024.
- Four major taxes, including the widespread “security tax,” will disappear entirely.
ECOWAS says this is not just a transport reform; it’s a regional integration strategy. The bloc is betting on the simple logic that when travel becomes cheaper, trade, tourism, healthcare access, and education all rise together.
Will Airlines Actually Reduce Prices?
ECOWAS is already ahead of that curve. Appiah confirmed ongoing engagements with airlines to ensure real fare reductions, not theoretical ones.
“When the taxes and charges are removed, airlines must also reduce ticket prices so citizens can travel freely,” he said.
This matters because West African airlines are currently at a competitive disadvantage. The region’s aviation charges are up to 67% higher than in East, North, and Southern Africa—regions where airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Royal Air Maroc continue to thrive.
Why This Matters Now
The move comes at a sensitive time for ECOWAS, which recently declared a regional state of emergency amid a surge in coups and instability. Reducing travel barriers is part of a broader push to rebuild confidence, stimulate economic activity, and keep the region connected despite political turbulence.
Bottom Line
If implemented smoothly, this reform could usher in a new era where a Lagos–Dakar ticket doesn’t cost the same as a used car. For millions of travellers, students, traders, and businesses across West Africa, January 2026 might be the start of cheaper, easier, more frequent travel across the region.
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