Why flying across Africa costs more than flying out of it: Video
Air travel within Africa remains among the most expensive in the world, with taxes and charges driving fares beyond the reach of many passengers.
A Predictive Mobility study shows that a 10% reduction in ticket prices could raise demand from 22.3 million to over 30 million passengers annually. However, currently, taxes account for 25 - 30% of airfares, with passengers on the Entebbe - Nairobi route paying up to $100 in levies on return tickets costing between $300 and $350. Departure taxes also vary widely across the region, from $77.5 in Kinshasa to $31 in Addis Ababa. Central and West Africa have more favourable regimes, with average savings of $12.68 and $10.12 per passenger, respectively, according to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
Analysts say the high charges make African carriers less competitive than foreign airlines operating from regions with lower taxation. East African officials are now pushing for reforms. Andrea Aguer Ariik, EAC Deputy Secretary General, has urged member states to fast-track the signing of EAC Air Transport Market Liberalisation Regulations, which would open up regional skies under a multilateral framework.
“Once adopted by the SC-TCM and thereafter signed and ratified by the partner States, the air transport market in the EAC will be fully liberalised. Partner states will subsequently negotiate their regional air transport bilateral arrangements under the Multilateral Air Services Agreement,” said Ariik during the 19th Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation and Airports Authorities.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
