ECOWAS Offers Tax-Free Flights Across Member States Starting 2026

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the abolition of air transport taxes and a 25 percent reduction in passenger and security charges across its member states, effective January 1, 2026.

This significant move, announced on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, follows a decision reached during the December 2024 ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The aim is to drastically lower the cost of air travel within West Africa.

According to ECOWAS, all member states will be required to abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by a quarter, in alignment with a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees.

The decision has been welcomed as a response to long-standing complaints from travellers, airlines, and industry stakeholders regarding the high cost of flying within the subregion. These costs have historically hampered tourism, trade, and the general movement of people and goods.

Air transport experts have consistently highlighted the numerous taxes and levies imposed by governments and aviation authorities as key drivers of elevated ticket prices. In some instances, regional flights have even been more expensive than long-haul international routes.

ECOWAS assures close monitoring of the implementation process through the ECOWAS Commission’s Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. This oversight will ensure member states comply with the new regulations and that the cost reductions are genuinely passed on to passengers.

“We expect this reform to yield lower airfares, increased passenger numbers, more robust regional airlines, and ultimately, greater regional integration,” an ECOWAS official stated.

The regional bloc anticipates that more affordable air travel will stimulate economic activity, strengthen cooperation between West African nations, and improve accessibility for both citizens and businesses across the region.

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