Nigeria has been ranked the third most expensive country in Africa for international and regional air travel fees, with passengers paying an average of $180 in taxes, charges, and fees per ticket, according to a report released by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The report places Gabon at the top of the list with an international departure cost of $297.70, followed by Sierra Leone at $294.00, leaving Nigeria in third place. Other high-cost countries include Djibouti ($168.70), Niger ($130.70), Benin ($123.40), and Ghana ($111.50).
By contrast, a number of African countries offer dramatically lower air travel costs, including Libya ($1.30), Malawi ($5.00), Lesotho ($5.70), and Algeria ($9.80) despite often handling more passenger traffic than many of the high-fee nations.
Additional affordable countries include:
- Eswatini – $14.20
- Tunisia – $15.40
- Botswana – $18.90
- Morocco – $25.10
- Sao Tome – $26.00
- Angola – $28.40
- South Africa – $28.50
West and Central Africa Lead in Air Travel Costs
Regionally, West Africa remains the most expensive sub-region for international departures, with an average charge of $109.50, rising from $96.50 in 2022. Central Africa follows at $106.60, a jump of $10 over the previous year.
Other regional averages include:
- Eastern Africa – $63.32
- Southern Africa – $34.50
- Northern Africa – $25.27 (the least expensive region)
For intra-African (regional) departures, the average passenger pays $59.05, a slight rise from $57.40 in 2022. Again, Sierra Leone tops the list at $294, followed by Gabon at $260 and Nigeria at $180.
In regional terms, West Africa continues to lead as the costliest for regional flights at $97, up from $80.20 in 2022. Central Africa follows at $85.90, while Eastern and Southern Africa stand at $52.80 and $33.30, respectively.
Africa vs. the Rest of the World
The AFRAA report highlights that African air travelers bear significantly higher ticket fees than their global counterparts:
- African passengers pay an average of $68 in regional departure taxes.
- In comparison, European travelers pay just $32, and those in the Middle East pay $34.
Additionally, African passengers are hit with more line items in their airfare:
- 3.5 different taxes and charges per ticket in Africa
- Compared to 2.53 in Europe and 2.69 in the Middle East
AFRAA noted the disproportionate burden placed on passengers in West and Central Africa, where over 12 out of 23 countries charge more than $100 in ticket taxes, despite the regions accounting for only 23% of Africa’s total air traffic. Conversely, Northern African nations, which represent 35% of traffic, charge less than $50 in most cases.
Implications for the Industry
The report raises questions about the impact of high charges on regional connectivity, tourism, and business travel. Industry experts have long argued that excessive taxes and fees contribute to the high cost of air travel in Africa, undermining intra-continental mobility and discouraging airline investment.
As Nigeria continues to push for increased air traffic, aviation reform, and a stronger tourism sector, the country’s elevated ticket charges could become a major policy sticking point.
