Can Ivory Coast’s aviation reforms finally make West African flights affordable?

• Ivory Coast cuts regional aviation charges by 25%
• Airlines may not pass savings on to passengers

ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST – Ivory Coast has moved to comply with a landmark ECOWAS aviation reform aimed at slashing the cost of regional air travel, but doubts are already emerging over whether passengers will actually benefit from lower fares.

Four months after the regional directive officially came into force, Abidjan adopted three decrees on April 29 reducing passenger and security levies on flights within the Economic Community of West African States by 25%. The move brings one of West Africa’s fastest-growing aviation hubs into alignment with the bloc’s ambitious effort to dismantle some of the world’s highest aviation taxes.