Air Transport in the ECOWAS Region: “Removing Taxes Will Definitely Have a Positive Effect”

Starting January 1, 2026, taxes on air transport will be abolished, and passenger and security fees will be reduced by 25% across member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). According to Didier Bréchemier, a specialist in African aviation issues, “removing taxes will inevitably have a beneficial effect,” even if the price reduction is not immediately reflected in ticket fares.

This new measure could lead to a minimum 25% drop in airfares within the ECOWAS region. For years, taxes have made air travel in West Africa some of the most expensive on the continent, limiting demand and hindering regional integration.

Didier Bréchemier, partner at Roland Berger and an African aviation expert, explained the expected impact: “Take, for example, a Dakar–Abidjan round-trip ticket, which averages around 400 euros. The taxes being reduced amount to 110 euros. Passenger and security fees, for instance, would drop from 40 to 30 euros—a 25% reduction. That could translate to about a 30% reduction in ticket prices. On an Accra–Lagos flight, the decrease could reach 40%.”

“If it goes into the airline’s pocket, it will also contribute to national development”

When asked whether airlines would immediately pass on the tax cuts to passengers, Bréchemier explained: “It depends on a carrier’s revenue or yield management system. Airlines don’t focus strictly on ticket prices; they look at whether there are enough travelers willing to pay a certain fare. So, in many cases, the money might go to the airlines rather than directly to passengers.”

He added, “If the funds stay with the airline, over time, they will invest in new aircraft, launch new routes, and expand destinations. This will contribute to the country’s economic development and provide travelers with more options. Removing taxes inevitably has a positive effect on the sector.”

From January 1, 2026, taxes on airline tickets, tourism, and solidarity contributions will no longer apply to air transport across the ECOWAS region.

Chris Appiah, Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, noted that once these taxes and fees are eliminated, the next step will be to encourage airlines to reduce fares, as they will no longer pay these taxes and charges to governments.