Air travellers departing from Nigeria pay some of the highest taxes and charges for international flights in Africa, averaging $180 per ticket—nearly three times the continental average of $68.
This was revealed in the AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024, a new report by the African Airlines Association made available to reporters.
The report highlights how excessive taxes, fees, and service charges are hindering aviation growth across Africa and placing a significant burden on passengers. Nigeria ranks as the third most expensive country on the continent for international air travel charges, behind Gabon and Sierra Leone.
The study notes that, on average, international air passengers in Africa pay $68 in taxes—double the global average and far higher than in Europe or the Middle East. However, Nigerian travellers pay over twice that due to a combination of government levies, airport fees, and service surcharges.
According to the report; Gabon leads the continent with an average tax of $297.70 per international departure. Sierra Leone follows at $29, Nigeria ranks third with $180.
Other countries in the top ten include Djibouti ($168.70), Niger ($130.70), Benin ($123.40), Senegal ($122.60), Liberia ($115), Ghana ($111.50), DR Congo ($109.90), and Chad ($105.70).
In contrast, Libya is the least expensive, with passengers paying just $1.30. Other low-cost countries include Malawi ($5), Lesotho ($5.70), Algeria ($9.80), Eswatini ($14.20), Tunisia ($15.40), Botswana ($18.90), Morocco ($25.10), Sao Tome ($26), Angola ($28.40), and South Africa ($28.50).
The association attributed the high charges to fragmented tax systems, poor adherence to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) policies, and heavy reliance on aviation for government revenue.
“Air transport is still perceived as a luxury service in Africa,” the report said. “This has led governments, airports, and service providers to impose excessive charges, despite the industry’s financial struggles.”
It warned that these high charges are stifling regional connectivity, discouraging travel, and undermining the aviation industry’s development.
The group urged African governments to streamline and harmonise tax policies, reduce passenger fees, and adopt more sustainable funding models for aviation infrastructure.
Out of 54 African countries studied, 14 now charge over $100 in taxes per international passenger—an increase from 13 in 2022—indicating a worsening trend.
Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines’ Representatives in Nigeria, said the high operational costs in Nigeria are pushing airfares beyond reach, especially on intra-African routes.
“Data doesn’t lie,” he said. “Flying from Nigeria to nearby countries like Togo or Cameroon is sometimes more expensive than flying to parts of Europe.”
He also noted that airlines struggle with high exchange rates, costly aviation fuel, and limited access to affordable aircraft leasing.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged these challenges and has taken some steps to address them, including the clearance of a backlog of nearly $900 million in trapped airline funds caused by a foreign exchange shortage.
This had previously prompted airlines to raise fares on Nigerian routes.
Additionally, Nigeria has signed the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction to ease aircraft leasing and reduce operational costs.
The Aviation Ministry, led by Festus Keyamo, is also reviewing airport-related charges and supporting local airlines in accessing better leasing and financing options.
However, multiple charges from agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remain a major concern.
“We’ve raised these issues several times,” Nwokoma said. “When airlines face high costs, passengers inevitably pay more.”
An aviation executive who spoke anonymously agreed, saying Nigeria’s aviation charges are unsustainable and a driving force behind travellers opting to fly from neighbouring countries like Ghana, Mali, and Togo, where ticket prices are lower and export processes are more efficient.
He noted that Nigerian travellers, particularly students, are increasingly booking flights from outside the country due to cost concerns.
“High landing fees, parking fees, and other charges affect airfares directly—and it doesn’t end there. Even agricultural exports are impacted,” he said.
As an example, he cited Nigeria’s status as the world’s top yam producer, yet many yams are exported through Ghana because it’s cheaper and more efficient.
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The executive called for urgent reforms to reduce aviation taxes and improve the ease of doing business in the sector.
“If we want to compete globally and stop shifting the burden to passengers, we must fix the system. Right now, our only edge is population—but we’re losing that as travellers and exporters seek better alternatives next door,” he concluded.
