Ghana could soon rank among the world’s top 10 most expensive countries for air passenger charges if the proposed Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) takes effect in April 2026, aviation industry players have warned.

The figures stand in sharp contrast to global trends. Average airport charges worldwide for return trips range between $30 and $34, while the African average is about $68.

West Africa, however, already records one of the highest regional averages, estimated at $110 per return trip.

Speaking at the 5th AviationGhana Breakfast Meeting, Stellamarie Ndunge of the Board of Airline Representatives, Ghana (BAR-GH), said the new levy would make air travel less attractive and further constrain route expansion by airlines operating in and out of the country.

“We are deeply concerned by the coming AIDC charge of $100 on return tickets scheduled for 1st April 2026,” she said. “This new fee will bring total departure charges to $173 for one-way tickets and $243 for return tickets, catapulting Ghana into the top 10 most expensive countries globally in terms of passenger charges.”

Stakeholders in the industry say the charges will make Ghana’s airports unattractive and could divert traffic to cheaper hubs, costing Ghana traffic, jobs and long-term aviation growth.

According to BAR-GH, the impact will be even more pronounced on the continent. In Africa, Ghana is projected to drop from ninth to third place among countries with the highest airport charges, trailing only Gabon and Sierra Leone, should the levy be implemented as planned.

Industry stakeholders caution that further increases risk derailing Ghana’s quest to become an aviation hub discouraging passenger traffic.