Air Transport Ministers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to remove all aviation taxes that do not align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and reduce passenger and security charges by 25%. This decision aims to lower air travel costs and strengthen security standards across member states.
At a recent meeting in Lomé, Togo, the ministers recognized that high charges, fees, and taxes currently constitute nearly 50% of West African airfares. To address this, they resolved that all member states must implement these reforms by January 1, 2026, with an Oversight Committee established to monitor the transition.
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Beyond cost reduction, ECOWAS officials proposed compensation for passengers facing excessive flight delays and highlighted strategies for better connectivity. ECOWAS Commissioner M. Sédiko Douka stressed that high airfares hinder trade and integration, while Togolese Minister Sani Yaya noted that harmonizing fees and improving security could boost tourism and economic cooperation.
Recommendations from this meeting will be presented to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Heads of State in December 2024, advancing a unified approach to air travel in the region.
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