Lome Declaration Aims to Lower Air Travel Costs in Africa

The Lome Declaration, adopted by African Ministers on June 16, 2026, aims to enhance air travel affordability across Africa. It seeks to remove structural regulatory barriers that currently limit air connectivity and trade among African countries.

The declaration emphasizes the need for a single African air transport market (SAATM) to boost trade and tourism. High operational costs, excessive taxes, and regulatory bottlenecks have been identified as major hindrances to economic growth.

The declaration calls for urgent removal of market access restrictions and alignment of bilateral agreements with SAATM principles. It also mandates a 25% reduction in aviation passenger security charges and the elimination of various non-aviation specific taxes.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged for swift implementation of these measures, as current tax burdens can reach up to 70% of standard flight ticket prices within West Africa. The Lome Declaration represents a significant shift towards integrated and sustainable air transport across the continent.