Name: ECOWAS to cut air transport taxes in West Africa
Uploaded: 2025-12-12T00:28:17.681Z
Duration: 44 s
Description: ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes from 1 January 2026.

ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes from 1 January 2026.

Abidjan

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will abolish air transport taxes starting January 1, 2026, as part of efforts to lower the cost of air travel in West Africa. Additionally, aviation charges related to passengers and security will be reduced by 25% beginning the following year.

These reforms are based on a decision by ECOWAS heads of state and government in December 2024, aiming to address long-standing concerns about high air travel costs. ECOWAS expects the measures to result in lower airfares, increased passenger numbers, stronger regional airlines, and greater regional integration.

ECOWAS to cut air transport taxes in West Africa

The economic community of West African states is set to abolish air transport taxes from January 1, 2026, in a bid to reduce the cost of air travel across the region. In a statement on Wednesday, ECOWAS also said aviation charges related to passengers and security would decrease by 25% starting next year. The measures stem from a decision made by the heads of state and government of ECOWAS in December 2024. The organisation said the reform responds to long-standing concerns about the high cost of flying in West Africa. ECOWAS argues it has constrained tourism, trade and the free movement of persons and goods. The community believes it will lead to lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines and deeper regional integration.

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