Global aviation body says soaring taxes and operational expenses are squeezing airlines, threatening growth and affordability across West Africa….
Nigeria has been identified as one of the world’s most expensive environments for airline operations, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warning that escalating costs continue to place immense pressure on carriers and hinder the growth of the aviation sector.
The concern was raised during the IATA Annual General Meeting in Brazil, where the association’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, highlighted the financial burden confronting airlines operating in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.
According to Al-Awadhi, while the Federal Government has initiated reforms aimed at strengthening the aviation industry, operators are still grappling with a business environment characterised by high taxes, multiple charges, and rising operational expenses.
He acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to improve the sector but stressed that significant challenges remain.
The IATA executive noted that the high-cost structure is making it increasingly difficult for airlines to remain profitable, expand their networks, and offer more competitive fares to passengers.
“Airlines can only thrive in an environment where operating costs are sustainable,” he said, pointing out that excessive charges continue to undermine the sector’s long-term potential.
As part of efforts to address the problem, IATA is pushing for a 25 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes and charges across member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The association believes that lowering these costs would make air travel more affordable for passengers, stimulate demand, and create a stronger operating environment for airlines across the region.
Industry experts have repeatedly argued that high taxation remains one of the biggest obstacles to aviation growth in West Africa. They maintain that reducing government-imposed charges could encourage increased travel, boost regional connectivity, and unlock wider economic benefits through tourism, trade, and investment.
The latest comments from IATA add fresh momentum to calls for aviation reforms, particularly at a time when many African airlines are struggling with rising fuel costs, currency pressures, and intense competition.
With demand for air travel expected to continue growing across the continent, stakeholders say creating a more airline-friendly operating environment will be critical to unlocking the full economic potential of the aviation industry in Nigeria and beyond.
