The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lamented that air travel within West Africa is the most expensive across the globe, slowing down the progress of regional integration.
According to Mr. Sédiko Douka, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, airfares between countries in the subregion are considerably higher than fares for similar distances in other parts of Africa.
He highlighted that it is often cheaper to fly outside West Africa than between neighboring ECOWAS countries.
The Commissioner noted that air transport usage within West Africa remains below 10%, which he indicated is the lowest on the continent.
Douka cited studies from 2024 which reportedly showed low growth in air transport in West Africa (less than 10%), compared to other regions like North Africa (40.4%), Southern Africa (21.4%), and East Africa (20.5%).
The ECOWAS commissioner explained, “Recent studies conducted by renowned organisations in 2024 have shown low growth in air transport in West Africa (less than 10 percent). This, at a time when other regions, for example, record 40.4 percent for North Africa, 21.4 percent for Southern Africa, and 20.5 percent for East Africa.
“Other comparisons made in terms of domestic flights, intra-African travel, major airlines, and airport size have also shown that West Africa lags far behind these same regions mentioned above.
“In accordance with Article 32 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the statutory bodies have mandated the Commission to coordinate and harmonise the air transport policies, programs, and projects of Member States. Likewise, to contribute all initiatives, strategies, and action plans aimed at improving air transport within its territory.”
Douka urged the harmonization of aviation policies across ECOWAS member staates. He also called for the implementation of common rules for passenger rights, including compensation for denied boarding, cancellations, or significant delays within the ECOWAS region.
