IATA LISTS NIGERIA AMONG COUNTRIES WITH HIGH AVIATION CHARGES ABOVE-GLOBAL AVERAGE
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Nigeria has been named among countries with above-global aviation charges, raising concerns over the cost burden on passengers and airlines operating in the country.
The disclosure was made by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at its Focus Africa Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The classification places Nigeria among African markets where aviation taxes and fees remain significantly higher than global averages, contributing to higher airfares and weaker regional connectivity.
The development adds renewed attention to longstanding concerns about the cost structure of aviation in West Africa and across the continent.
What they are saying
IATA said aviation charges in Africa are about 15% higher than the global average, with several countries driving the continent’s elevated cost structure.
It specifically named Nigeria alongside Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Kenya as countries where aviation-related charges remain above global norms.
“The cost of doing aviation business in Africa is high. The taxes and charges imposed by governments and infrastructure providers are about 15% higher in Africa than the global average.”
“To address this, IATA called for reversing the trend of increasing API-PNR charges.”
“Tanzania’s API-PNR charge of $45 one-way is the highest globally, while charges in Angola, D.R. Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya also exceed global norms.”
The association said these elevated costs continue to push up airfares, weakening demand and limiting connectivity across African aviation markets.
Get up to speed
West Africa has been at the centre of ongoing aviation cost reforms, with regional governments attempting to address long-standing complaints about high taxes and charges.
In December 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to reduce select aviation charges by 25% and eliminate certain aviation taxes as part of a broader push to lower the cost of air travel and improve regional connectivity. The decision was seen as a key step toward boosting intra-African trade, tourism, and mobility.
IATA also pointed to the need for full implementation of the ECOWAS December 2025 decision to eliminate aviation taxes and reduce select charges by 25%. It stressed that consistent application at the national level, without further delay, is critical to ensure the intended benefits of lower aviation costs are fully realised.
More insights
Beyond ticket taxes and charges, IATA highlighted deeper structural challenges affecting African aviation, particularly the issue of blocked airline revenues.
The region accounts for the largest share of global trapped airline funds, estimated at $774 million as of March 2026. Algeria leads with $258 million, followed by the XAF Zone at $105 million, Mozambique at $82 million, Eritrea at $78 million, and Angola at $73 million.
IATA warned that restricted access to airline funds reduces investor confidence and affects operational stability, especially in markets heavily dependent on international carriers.
The association also flagged visa restrictions as another major barrier, noting that nearly half of intra-African travel still requires visas obtained before departure. It said this continues to suppress tourism, business travel, and regional integration efforts.
On sustainability, IATA pointed to Africa’s long-term potential in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and carbon markets.
It estimated that Sub-Saharan Africa could supply up to 106 million tonnes of SAF-suitable feedstock by 2050 and generate significant emission credits under global aviation climate frameworks.
Countries including Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Madagascar have begun early participation steps, though IATA urged wider adoption across the continent.
What you should know
Nigeria remains among African countries with relatively high aviation-related charges, according to IATA data. In 2024, the country generated about $62 million from airline ticket taxes, contributing to Africa’s total aviation tax revenue of $1.97 billion during the period.
Africa’s aviation taxes averaged about $14.9 per passenger, with West Africa recording some of the highest levies on the continent.
Nigeria introduced an additional $11.5 security levy under the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) effective December 1, 2025.
The total security-related charge per ticket now stands at $31.50 for international travel to and from Nigeria.
Airlines are responsible for collecting and remitting the levy to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The NCAA said the APIS system is designed to strengthen border security, improve passenger tracking, and streamline clearance processes through advance data sharing with immigration authorities.
While regional reforms have been agreed upon, aviation charges in Nigeria and several African markets remain above global averages, continuing to influence airfares and travel demand across the sector.
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