The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the abolition of air transport taxes across its member states and a 25 percent reduction in passenger and security charges, in a move aimed at lowering the cost of air travel within the subregion.

In a statement posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the West African regional bloc said the abolition of the air transport taxes and reduction in passenger and security charges were a continuation of a decision taken by its top leadership during its December 2024 Summit held in Abuja, Nigeria.

“The Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at their December 2024 Summit in Abuja, adopted a landmark measure to reduce the cost of air travel across the region,” the statement read.

According to ECOWAS, the new policy will take effect from January 1, 2026.

“From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent, in line with a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees,” the statement added.

The bloc explained that the decision was a response to persistent complaints by travellers, airlines, and industry stakeholders over the prohibitively high cost of air travel in West Africa compared to other regions.

“The decision responds to long-standing concerns about the high cost of flying in West Africa, which has constrained tourism, trade, and the free movement of persons and goods,” ECOWAS said.

Air transport experts have often pointed to multiple taxes, levies, and charges imposed by governments and aviation authorities as key factors driving up ticket prices within the subregion, making short-haul regional flights significantly more expensive than intercontinental travel in some cases.

ECOWAS noted that the implementation of the reform would be closely supervised to ensure compliance by member states and to guarantee that the intended benefits are passed on to passengers.

“Implementation of the reform will be monitored by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism, with the expected outcome of lower airfares, increased passenger traffic, stronger regional airlines, and deeper regional integration,” the statement said.

The move is expected to boost intra-regional travel, enhance economic activities, and strengthen cooperation among West African countries by making air transport more accessible and affordable for citizens and businesses across the region.