Former CEO and chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, Girma Wake, at the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of Ministers 2025 has called for a major overhaul of Africa’s air transport taxation system, arguing that excessive taxes and charges are inflating ticket prices and stifling industry growth. “Taxes and charges on air transport in Africa are very high. In some cases, 30% of the ticket price comes from taxes. When taxes go down, prices will also go down and allow more people to travel and for the airlines to also develop,” Wake stated.
Wake’s remarks highlight a long-standing challenge within the continent’s aviation sector. With taxes accounting for up to 30% of ticket prices, many potential passengers are priced out of air travel, limiting the market and hindering airlines from expanding their services.
In Cotonou, taxes can reach 92,560 CFA francs for economy flights within ECOWAS and 128,560 CFA francs for first-class tickets to non-ECOWAS countries. Abidjan imposes the lowest taxes; 30,000 CFA francs for African destinations, rising to 52,500 CFA francs for others. Lomé’s charges range from 37,500to 42,500 CFA francs.
In Ghana however, there is a $20 maintenance fee taken at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA ), which has faced criticism, with some lawmakers describing it as illegal since it was not approved by Parliament. It still remains in effect as of 2025
Lowering these taxes, Wake contends, could yield substantial benefits. Reduced ticket prices would not only make flying more accessible to a broader segment of the population but also stimulate increased travel demand—bolstering tourism, enhancing business connectivity, and spurring economic growth across the region. Airlines, benefiting from reduced operational costs, could reinvest in fleet upgrades, expand route networks, and improve overall service quality, thereby positioning African carriers to compete more effectively on the global stage.
Industry analysts agree that easing the tax burden could transform the African aviation landscape. By lowering costs, governments would encourage higher passenger volumes, which in turn would create jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the continent’s competitive position in international markets.
The results of these tax cuts could pave the way for a more vibrant, dynamic air transport sector, one that not only facilitates easier travel for millions but also drives broader economic development.
