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West Africa is set for a major shift in air travel affordability as ECOWAS announces plans to eliminate all air ticket taxes from January 2026. This landmark decision aims to drastically reduce fares in a region that has the continent’s highest aviation costs, where taxes can make up as much as 70% of a ticket price. The policy, approved by regional heads of state, addresses long-standing barriers to connectivity by aligning with international aviation guidelines that discourage such fees. Officials argue that high costs have stifled travel demand and hindered regional integration, tourism, and trade. ECOWAS is now engaging airlines to ensure the savings are passed to consumers, promising a new era of accessible travel across member states.
Nairametrics