Nigeria has been ranked third in Africa for the costliest air travel fees, with passengers paying an average of $180 in taxes and charges per international flight.
This is nearly three times the continental average of $68. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) report highlights that excessive taxes, fees, and charges are hurting the growth of the aviation industry in Africa and putting an unfair burden on travelers.
The 10 Most Expensive Countries for Air Travel Taxes in Africa include:-
1. Gabon $297.70
2. Sierra Leone $294
3. Nigeria $180
4. Djibouti $168.70
5. Niger $130.70
6. Benin $123.40
7. Senegal $122.60
8. Liberia $115
9. Ghana $111.50
10. Democratic Republic of Congo $109.90
According to the report, the reasons behind high air travel costs are-Non-adherence to International Civil Aviation Organisation policies, Fragmented tax regimes, Overreliance on aviation as a source of government revenue, High operational costs, including aviation fuel and limited access to affordable aircraft leasing
The impact of this on Aviation Industry as enumerated include inter-alia:
Discourages travel and stifles regional connectivity, undermines the growth of the aviation sector across Africa and makes it more expensive to fly from Nigeria to other African countries than to some destinations in Europe.
*Government Response:*
In response to the challenge, Nigerian government has cleared a backlog of nearly $900m in foreign airline revenues trapped due to foreign exchange shortages.
Signed the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction to make aircraft leasing easier and more affordable for Nigerian carriers.
Reviewing airport-related charges to ease the financial burden on airlines and passengers.
