ECOWAS Ministers Approve Regional Plan to Cut Air Travel Costs and Boost Aviation Security
ECOWAS MINISTERS ENDORSE STRATEGY TO REDUCE AIR TRAVEL COSTS BY 25% AND IMPROVE SECURITY BY 2026. THESE REFORMS AIM TO DRIVE REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Air Transport Ministers have endorsed a regional strategy to lower air travel costs and improve aviation security. This landmark decision, made during a ministerial meeting in Lomé, Togo, aims to harmonize aviation charges and reduce taxes across the region, making air transport more affordable and efficient by January 1, 2026.
Addressing High Air Travel Costs in West Africa
The meeting focused on strategies to tackle high airfares, which are among the highest globally. Currently, taxes, charges, and fees in West Africa account for nearly 50% of total ticket costs. To address this, ministers agreed to implement a Supplementary Act to standardize charges, taxes, and fees in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations.
Additionally, ministers committed to reducing passenger and security charges by 25% and eliminating taxes not aligned with ICAO standards. These measures will help lower ticket prices for air travel, boost passenger traffic, and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Strengthening Aviation Security
The ministers also adopted a regional regulation to enhance aviation security. This initiative aligns with directives from ECOWAS Heads of State, issued during their 65th Ordinary Session in July 2024. The goal is to implement international security standards, attract investments, and promote tourism in member states.
Hon. Sani Yaya, Togo’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, highlighted that improving aviation security and reducing costs will strengthen regional economic cooperation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve these goals regarding air travel.
Implementation Timeline and Support Measures
Member states will begin implementing these reforms by January 1, 2026, with a one-year transition period to prepare. ECOWAS will support countries by mobilizing resources, setting up a regional oversight committee, and developing initiatives like a regional aircraft leasing company and maintenance center.
These efforts aim to make air travel more accessible to citizens and businesses while meeting international best practices. By enhancing connectivity, the reforms will facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services, driving deeper regional integration.
The ministers’ recommendations will be presented to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Heads of State Summit in December 2024. If approved, these reforms will transform West Africa’s aviation sector into a cornerstone of economic growth and regional integration.
ECOWAS’s commitment to lowering air travel costs and enhancing security reflects its vision of sustainable development and regional unity. The reforms will create a more competitive and accessible air transport sector, benefiting both citizens and businesses.
