Nigeria has been listed among African countries with aviation charges above global averages, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The disclosure was made during the Focus Africa Conference held in Addis Ababa, where IATA raised concerns over the growing cost burden on passengers and airlines operating across the continent.
The association said aviation taxes an d charges in Africa are about 15 per cent higher than the global average, contributing to rising airfares and weakening regional connectivity.
IATA specifically named Nigeria alongside Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Kenya as countries where aviation-related charges remain above global norms.
“The cost of doing aviation business in Africa is high.The taxes and charges imposed by governments and infrastructure providers are about 15 per cent higher in Africa than the global average,” IATA stated.
The association also criticised rising Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) charges across the continent.
According to IATA, Tanzania currently imposes the world’s highest API-PNR charge at $45 one-way, while aviation-related charges in Nigeria and other African countries continue to exceed global standards.
The development has renewed concerns over the cost structure of aviation in West Africa, where airlines and passengers have long complained about excessive taxes and regulatory charges.
In December 2025, the Economic Community of West African States agreed to reduce select aviation charges by 25 per cent and eliminate some aviation taxes to lower travel costs and improve regional connectivity.
IATA urged member states to fully implement the ECOWAS decision without delay to achieve the intended benefits of lower airfares and stronger intra-African connectivity.
Beyond taxes and charges, the association highlighted blocked airline revenues as a major challenge affecting African aviation.
It disclosed that Africa accounts for the largest share of global trapped airline funds, estimated at $774 million as of March 2026.
IATA said restricted access to airline revenues continues to weaken investor confidence and affect operational stability in several African markets.
The body also identified visa restrictions as another obstacle to regional integration, noting that nearly half of intra-African travel still requires visas obtained before departure.
On sustainability, IATA said Sub-Saharan Africa has significant potential for sustainable aviation fuel production and carbon market participation, with countries including Nigeria already taking early steps toward adoption.
Nigeria generated about $62 million from airline ticket taxes in 2024, contributing to Africa’s total aviation tax revenue of $1.97 billion during the period.
The country also introduced an additional $11.5 security levy under the Advance Passenger Information System effective December 1, 2025, bringing total security-related charges on international tickets to $31.50.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said the APIS system was introduced to strengthen border security and improve passenger tracking through advance data sharing with immigration authorities.
