Africa’s tourism sector is experiencing a robust recovery and promising growth, with 66.3 million international tourists visiting the continent in 2024 and generating $38 billion in total receipts, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The sector’s contribution to the global GDP has reached $81 billion, surpassing industries like automotive manufacturing, healthcare, and banking, highlighting its vital role in African economies.
However, despite these positive trends, the air transport industry in Africa continues to struggle with profitability, particularly for passenger carriers. One of the main challenges contributing to this issue is the high cost of taxes, charges, and fees imposed on airlines and passengers.
According to the 2024 Taxes and Charges Study Review by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), international air passengers in Africa pay an average of 3.5 different types of taxes and fees, totaling $68 per departure. This represents a slight increase from the $66 average recorded in 2022.
Gabon has emerged as the most expensive country for international departures, with passengers paying $297.70 per trip. Sierra Leone and Nigeria also rank high in charges for regional and international flights, with fees of $260 and $180, respectively.
In a survey of 54 African countries conducted in September 2024, West Africa was found to have the highest average levies on the continent, with $109.50 for international departures and $97 for regional flights. Central Africa closely follows, making these subregions the most expensive for air travel.
Passengers in West and Central Africa pay an average of $109.49 and $106.62, respectively, in charges, well above the continental average. Despite this, these regions only account for 23% of total African air traffic, yet more than half of their countries charge over $100 per ticket in taxes and fees.
On the other hand, Northern Africa offers a more affordable travel experience, with an average tax and fee burden of just $25.27. Most Northern African countries charge less than $50 per international ticket, even though the region accounts for 35% of Africa’s total air traffic.
In conclusion, while Africa’s tourism sector is flourishing, the high costs associated with air travel pose a significant challenge for the industry. Efforts to reduce taxes, charges, and fees could help make air travel more accessible and contribute to the sustainable growth of the continent’s aviation sector.
