ECOWAS Ministers approve plan to reduce air travel costs and enhance security

WEST AFRICA – West African leaders have endorsed a bold initiative to lower air travel costs and improve aviation security across the region, aiming to make air transport more accessible and efficient by January 2026.

Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Lomé, Togo, to address the challenges posed by exorbitant air travel costs.

In the region, taxes and fees currently make up nearly half of ticket prices, creating financial hurdles for passengers.

To address this, the ministers approved a Supplementary Act to standardize taxes, fees, and charges in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The plan includes reducing passenger and security charges by 25% and eliminating non-compliant taxes. These reforms are expected to reduce ticket costs, encourage passenger traffic, and stimulate economic activity across the region.

“By lowering these charges, we aim to ensure that air travel becomes an affordable option for more citizens while boosting trade and tourism,” explained Hon. Sani Yaya, Togo’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Another key focus of the meeting was aviation security. ECOWAS ministers adopted a regional regulation to implement international security measures, aligning with directives from the Heads of State during their July 2024 summit. These steps aim to attract investments and support tourism growth in member countries.

Ministers emphasized the importance of collaboration among nations to strengthen security frameworks. “Enhanced aviation security will foster trust and ensure our skies are safe, further driving regional economic cooperation,” Yaya added.

The reforms are slated to begin on January 1, 2026, with a transition period of one year for member states to adapt. ECOWAS has pledged support through resource mobilization, the establishment of a regional oversight committee, and the development of initiatives such as a regional aircraft leasing company and maintenance facilities.

These measures aim to improve connectivity, facilitating the movement of people and goods while supporting broader regional integration efforts. The proposals will be presented to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Heads of State Summit in December 2024 for final approval.

The aviation sector’s transformation aligns with the region’s broader goals of sustainable economic development.

Travel and tourism already contribute significantly to West African GDP, supporting millions of jobs and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Inbound tourist arrivals in West Africa have seen steady growth, with increased visitors from Europe and other African countries.

Between 2024 and 2027, projections indicate an average annual increase of 8% in arrivals and 6% in spending. By 2027, the region could welcome over 95 million tourists, generating an estimated US$90 billion in revenue.

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