ECOWAS Announces Tax-free Air Travel Across Members-States

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the removal of air transport taxes and a 25 per cent cut in passenger and security charges across its member-states from January 2026, a move aimed at reducing the cost of flying within the subregion.

In a statement posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the West African regional bloc explained that the decision builds on a resolution adopted by its top leadership during the December 2024 Summit 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.

The new policy is scheduled to 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.

ECOWAS said the measure responds to persistent complaints from travellers, airlines, and industry stakeholders about the high cost of air travel in West Africa compared with 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,” the statement said.

Aviation experts have highlighted that multiple taxes, levies, and charges imposed by governments and regulatory authorities are major factors pushing ticket prices up, making short regional flights more expensive than some intercontinental journeys.

The bloc assured that the reform’s implementation would be closely monitored to ensure member-states comply and passengers benefit from the reduction.

“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 noted.

The initiative is expected to stimulate intra-regional travel, boost economic activity, and enhance cooperation among West African nations by making air travel more accessible and affordable for both citizens and businesses.