A road map was adopted by the transport ministers of the economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reduce air ticket prices in the region. This during their meeting which took place from November 5 to 8, 2024, in Lomé in Togo.
This roadmap proposes, among other things, the elimination of taxes deemed non-compliant with the standards of theInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as a 25% reduction in passenger and security fees. According to ministers, taxes and fees represent around 50% of the total cost of tickets in the region, and reducing them could lead to a significant drop in flight prices. L'International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted that airport taxes and charges in West Africa can exceed the $100 per passenger, while the global average, like in the United States, was $40 in 2023.
The reforms also include measures to improve the safety and efficiency of air services, such as the proposal to compensate passengers in the event of significant flight delays. These measures are part of a broader objective of transforming the aviation sector in West Africa, and should contribute to regional integration through the free movement of people and goods, in connection with initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (Zlecaf) and the Single African Air Transport Market (MUTAA).
If these reforms are adopted at the summit of heads of state of the ECOWAS scheduled for December 2024, they will come into force on January 1, 2026 in all ECOWAS member states. A one-year transition period will be given to countries to adjust their budgets and implement the new measures. A regional committee will also be set up to monitor the implementation of the reforms and ensure their compliance in each country.
