The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its landmark decision to reduce aviation taxes, fees, and charges by 25 per cent, describing the move as a major step toward making air travel more affordable and competitive across the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the IATA 82nd Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, praised ECOWAS for what he called a bold and strategic reform.
However, he expressed concern that only one member state has so far implemented the policy, despite its official commencement date of January 1, 2026.
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Alawadhi noted that the success of the initiative depends on broad adoption by all ECOWAS countries, stressing that isolated implementation would have limited impact on reducing the cost of regional air travel.
He urged governments across Africa to emulate the ECOWAS model in addressing the continent’s long-standing challenge of high aviation charges.
The ECOWAS Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees seeks to align the region with international standards by eliminating several non-aviation levies and reducing key passenger and security charges.
The reforms are aimed at lowering ticket prices and stimulating greater connectivity within West Africa.
Industry stakeholders estimate that full implementation of the policy could reduce airfares by up to 40 per cent, boosting tourism, trade, and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, African Continental Free Trade Area.
Despite being legally binding on all 15 ECOWAS member states, implementation has remained uneven months after the deadline, raising concerns about the pace of reform and its potential impact on the region’s aviation growth ambitions.
(Editor: Utibe Umoren)
