The Parliament of Sierra Leone has ratified nine transport and aviation agreements aimed at reducing the high cost of air travel and harmonising aviation taxes across West Africa, fulfilling a binding regional directive issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The agreements, presented to lawmakers by Deputy Minister of Trade and Aviation Rex Bonapha, originate from decisions taken during the 65th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in 2024 . At that summit, member states acknowledged the rising cost of air travel within the region and committed to implementing reforms to make flights more affordable and accessible.

According to Bonapha, the newly ratified treaties focus on the gradual reduction of aviation-related taxes and charges, alongside the harmonisation of security standards and regulatory frameworks across ECOWAS countries. He said the reforms are expected to stimulate tourism, promote trade, and strengthen regional integration.

The ratification follows a binding directive issued by ECOWAS in December 2024, contained in the Supplementary Act A/SA.2/12/24 Relating to the Common Policy on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees . The Act, signed by West African Heads of State including President Julius Maada Bio during the 66th Ordinary Session in Abuja, specifically mandates Sierra Leone to abolish its Foreign Travel Tax within 12 months

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The legislation identifies Sierra Leone as one of four countries—alongside Togo, Niger, and The Gambia—currently applying this levy, which ranges between $8.95 and $250 on airline tickets sold locally.

In addition to scrapping this tax, the regional body ordered a 25% reduction on two critical aviation fees: the Passenger Service Charge and the Security Charge. These reductions are mandatory for all Member States and were required to be implemented within one year of the Act’s entry into force.

The ECOWAS Communiqué, particularly Paragraph 17, raised concerns about escalating ticket prices and directed member states to adopt a Common Policy on Aviation Charges, Taxes, and Fees. Following that directive, civil aviation authorities met in November 2024 in Lomé, Togo, to outline implementation strategies, leading to Sierra Leone’s formal accession and subsequent approval by the ECOWAS Commission.

At that ministerial meeting, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, M. Sédiko Douka, emphasized that “high air travel costs in West Africa serve as a barrier to trade and regional integration. Aligning our aviation taxes with global standards is imperative to make air travel more accessible and competitive”.

During the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja on 14 December 2025, President Bio, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, announced that the community would implement a landmark measure to reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa beginning 1 January 2026.

President Bio noted that high air travel costs have for too long constrained business, discouraged movement, and separated families. He described the reform as a practical, people-centred demonstration of ECOWAS’ commitment to making regional integration a lived reality rather than an abstract ideal .

The Authority of Heads of State expressed deep concern over the “high cost of air travel in the ECOWAS Region,” noting it is among the highest on the continent and negatively impacts tourism, trade, and the free movement of persons . In West Africa, charges, taxes and fees currently represent almost 50% of the total air ticket cost.

The Act criticizes the practice of using aviation taxes to fund non-aviation activities, stating that such levies are “counterproductive” and that the revenue raised is often outweighed by the economic losses caused by reduced demand for air travel .

During parliamentary debate, lawmakers expressed mixed reactions.

Hon. Aaron Koroma, Deputy Leader of Opposition 2, welcomed the move but questioned the delay in bringing the agreements for ratification. He noted that Sierra Leoneans have endured high airfare costs for years and raised concerns about the lack of passenger compensation for frequent flight delays.

His concern aligns with regional developments, as ECOWAS ministers in November 2024 also considered a proposal for compensation to passengers in the case of excessive flight delays . The ECOWAS Authority subsequently approved increased compensation rates for passengers whose flights are cancelled or delayed across member states.

Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, emphasised the importance of liberalising the air transport sector while ensuring proper domestication of the protocols. He argued that harmonising rules and regulations is essential for a competitive and efficient aviation industry.

The agreements received bipartisan backing from members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), signalling broad political support for aviation sector reforms.

To ensure these cuts result in cheaper tickets for citizens, the ECOWAS Commission has been mandated to engage with West African airlines to ensure airfares are reduced to a level that reflects the removal of taxes and the 25% reduction in airport charges . The ECOWAS Commission will monitor compliance and report to the Council of Ministers every quarter.