ECOWAS has approved a sweeping aviation reform that will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 percent across its 15 member states starting January 1, 2026. The bloc said the policy, adopted in December 2024 and now finalised for implementation, is expected to significantly lower the cost of air travel within West Africa. “From 1 January 2026, all ECOWAS member states will abolish air transport taxes,” the commission announced.
The regional body said the reform aims to boost tourism, enhance trade, and deepen integration by making flights more affordable. According to ECOWAS, implementation will be monitored through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism to ensure lower fares, increased passenger traffic, and stronger airlines. A one-way Abuja–Accra ticket currently costs about N550,000, though the exact impact of the new policy on fares remains unclear.