Gambiaj.com – (LOME, Togo) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched an ambitious effort to address high air travel costs in West Africa, as air transport experts convene this week in Lomé, Togo, for critical consultations. The discussions bring together aviation ministers, civil aviation authorities, and international air transport organizations, focusing on developing cost-reducing measures and enhancing security within the sector.

This initiative aligns with ECOWAS’s strategic objectives to improve regional connectivity through a more affordable and accessible air transportation system.

Key among the proposed reforms is the elimination of non-aviation-related taxes and the reduction of selected charges, which currently increase ticket prices by up to 25%. These changes aim to tackle one of the world’s highest air travel costs, which impedes West Africa’s regional integration efforts by limiting affordable travel options.

Lieutenant-Colonel Idrissou Ahabou Abdou, Director General of Togo’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), opened the consultations by emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to strengthening air traffic growth, protecting passenger rights, and enhancing security across West African airports.

“This gathering of high-level officials in the aviation sector is an ideal platform to address air traffic growth, passenger rights, and airport security—all essential to the future of aviation in our region,” Abdou stated. “Through coordinated efforts, we can ensure that air travel becomes a key driver of economic and social development across West Africa.”

The consultations come after a mandate from the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government during their 65th Ordinary Session in July 2024. ECOWAS leaders tasked Aviation Ministers and their Directors-General of Civil Aviation with addressing escalating costs to foster a competitive and accessible aviation market in West Africa. Chris Appiah, ECOWAS Director of Transport, highlighted the need to reduce costs and ensure sustainable air travel access across the region.

“The current cost structure of air transport in our region is unsustainable,” Appiah asserted. “It limits our ability to achieve deeper integration by making air travel unaffordable. This meeting provides a pivotal opportunity to propose concrete solutions to reduce these high costs while enhancing airspace security.”

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director General Captain Musa Nuhu echoed the urgency of the reforms, underscoring the importance of both cost reductions and finalizing aviation security regulations as directed by ECOWAS leaders.

The consultations will also feature a working visit to Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport in Lomé to review its security protocols and traveler processing facilities. Participants will assess presentations from ASKY Airlines on their service enhancements aimed at fostering regional connectivity.

The expert group’s recommendations will be presented to the Ministers of Air Transport and aviation on November 8, 2024, and submitted to the ECOWAS Heads of State at their December summit for final approval. If endorsed, these reforms are expected to enhance the regional aviation sector, promoting economic growth, regional connectivity, and the free movement of people and goods throughout West Africa.