African aviation leaders are tackling the issue of high taxes and charges that hinder the growth of air travel on the continent. At a recent meeting, the Director-General of Civil Aviation Authorities and policymakers discussed the need to reduce costs, which they believe are killing the African travel industry.
Gambian Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah, speaking at the launch of Overland Airways’ flight services to Banjul, emphasized the need for a balanced approach that looks at both the revenue from airport taxes and the economic benefits of increased travel. He compared high airfares in West Africa to Europe, where flights can cost as little as $30. Sillah highlighted the disparity, noting that flights between African cities like Kinshasa and Lagos can cost between $700 and $950.
To address these concerns, The Gambia and Senegal have agreed to reduce and harmonize aviation taxes on flights between Banjul and Dakar, making tickets more affordable. This move aims to stimulate air travel and strengthen regional economic ties.
Other industry experts, including the Director-General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Nfansu Bojang, echoed these concerns, pointing out that high airfares limit access for ordinary citizens, often relegating air travel to government officials. The goal is to make air transport more accessible and affordable, fostering integration and economic growth within the African continent.
The push for lower taxes aligns with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, which seeks to open the skies of Africa and improve trade and connectivity across the region.
