Air travellers departing from Nigeria face some of the highest taxes and charges on the
continent, averaging $180 per international flight almost three times the African average of
$68. This is according to the AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024 by the African
Airlines Association, as reported by Sunday PUNCH.
The report highlights how excessive levies on air travel are hindering the growth of Africa’s
aviation industry while placing a heavy financial burden on passengers. Nigeria ranks as the
third most expensive country in Africa for international air travel taxes and charges, behind
only Gabon and Sierra Leone.
Other West African nations, including Niger, Benin, and Ghana, also appear on the top 10
list of the most expensive countries for such charges. The report notes that African
passengers pay an average of $68 in taxes and fees per international trip double the global
average and significantly higher than what is paid in Europe or the Middle East.
AFRAA warns that these high costs discourage air travel, limit connectivity, and stifle the
region’s economic and tourism potential. It calls for urgent reforms to make air travel more
affordable and competitive across Africa.
In Nigeria, air passengers pay over twice the African average in taxes and charges per
international flight, largely due to a mix of government-imposed levies, airport fees, and
service charges. According to the AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024, travellers
departing from Nigeria are charged an average of $180 placing the country third among
Africa’s most expensive nations for international air travel costs.
The report, released by the African Airlines Association and obtained by Sunday PUNCH,
reveals that Gabon tops the list, with passengers paying an average of $297.70 per
international departure. Sierra Leone follows with $294, while Nigeria comes next at $180.
Several other African countries also feature among the top 10 most expensive nations for air travel-related charges. These include Djibouti ($168.70), Niger ($130.70), Benin ($123.40),Senegal ($122.60), Liberia ($115), Ghana ($111.50), the Democratic Republic of Congo ($109.90), and Chad ($105.70).
AFRAA warns that such high charges are hurting Africa’s aviation sector, deterring travel,
and undermining efforts to improve connectivity and economic integration. The report calls
for a review of these excessive fees to boost affordability and encourage regional air travel.
