The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised alarm over the skyrocketing cost of air travel within West Africa, describing it as a critical barrier to regional integration, economic development, and the free movement of people.
Speaking at the opening session of the Sixth Legislature ECOWAS Parliament Delocalised Meeting in Lomé, Togo, Mr. Sédiko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, didn’t mince words. He condemned the cost of flying within the region as “excessively high”—often surpassing the price of international flights to destinations outside the continent.
“It is paradoxical and economically irrational that flying from one ECOWAS country to another is more expensive than flying to Europe or the Middle East,” Douka declared, calling the trend “counterproductive to the future of regional integration and the collective development of our airspace.”
He referenced a 2024 study by international aviation bodies which revealed a shocking disparity: West Africa records the lowest air transport usage in Africa—below 10 percent—compared to 40.4 percent in North Africa, 21.4 percent in Southern Africa, and 20.5 percent in East Africa.
“This glaring gap highlights how West Africa is falling behind in establishing a competitive, accessible, and interconnected aviation market,” Douka noted. “The lack of affordability and accessibility in our skies is stifling trade, tourism, and opportunity.”
In a clarion call for reform, Douka urged member states to harmonize aviation policies and fully implement Article 32 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, which mandates the Commission to coordinate air transport policies across the bloc.
He also advocated for the establishment of unified passenger rights regulations, including provisions for compensation in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
“This is not merely a technical issue—it is a socio-economic emergency. Affordable and efficient air travel is a cornerstone for any thriving regional economy,” Douka emphasized, urging the Joint Committee on Infrastructure, Energy and Mines, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources to take swift action.
As ECOWAS continues its efforts to strengthen regional ties, the urgent need for a unified and cost-effective air transport system has become impossible to ignore.
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