Nigerian travellers are now paying some of the highest air ticket taxes and charges in Africa, according to a new report.
A fresh study by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) shows that, in 2024, passengers flying out of Nigeria paid an average of $180 in taxes and fees per ticket for both international and regional flights. This puts Nigeria just behind Gabon and Sierra Leone, making it the third most expensive country for air ticket charges on the continent.
West African countries dominated the rankings for high air travel costs. Sierra Leone leads for regional departures at $294, while Gabon tops the international category at $297.7. Nigeria holds third place in both categories, with $180 per ticket.
The AFRAA report, which collected data from 54 African countries in September 2024, found that West Africa had the highest average air travel levies on the continent, $109.5 for international departures and $97 for regional flights. These numbers are much higher than the African average of $68 for international and $59.05 for regional departures. In contrast, travellers in North Africa pay just $25.27 on average for international flights, even though the region accounts for 35% of Africa’s total air traffic.
The report blames the high costs on multiple taxes and charges added to each ticket. On average, African passengers pay for 3.5 different taxes and fees per international ticket. This is higher than in Europe (2.53) and the Middle East (2.69), where air traffic is much busier but less expensive for travellers.
AFRAA also raised concerns about many African countries not following international rules on aviation taxes. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) says that charges should be fair, transparent, and only cover the real costs of services. However, the report found that many governments use these fees to boost revenue, which ends up hurting both airlines and passengers.
Industry experts warn that these high charges make air travel less affordable for ordinary Africans and limit the growth of the aviation sector. AFRAA is calling on African governments to review and harmonise their tax systems, reduce their reliance on passenger charges to fund airport infrastructure, and look for other ways to raise funds.
“To foster greater air connectivity, economic growth, and regional integration, it is critical for African governments to consider harmonising tax structures, reducing excessive charges, and pursuing alternative funding methods for aviation infrastructure,” the association said.
If nothing changes, air travel in Nigeria and West Africa could remain out of reach for many people. The report urges policymakers to act fast so that flying can become more affordable and help connect more Africans across the continent.
