The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has often been asked why ticket fares in Africa have been on the rise, more than doubling from pre-COVID to date.
As an aviation industry trade Association, such enquiries do not come as a surprise. Africa has the lowest GDP per capita but the highest ticket fares for similar distances compared to other continents. The promise of affordable air travel remains a distant dream for many Africans, despite the fact that connectivity is fostering economic development and cross-cultural interaction.
The aviation industry contributes $75 billion to Africa’s GDP, supports over 8 million jobs, and is poised for an unprecedented boom. The African Development Bank (AfDB) says that air traffic could grow four times by 2040. This growth is sure to be a strong driver of trade, tourism, and economic growth. However, this potential is still shadowed by significant challenges that affect the competitiveness, profitability, and sustainability of African airlines.
A study by AFRAA highlights some troubling insights: the proliferation of taxes, fees, and charges makes air travel in Africa disproportionately more expensive than in other regions. Passengers in Africa pay an average of US$ 68 in international departure taxes—more than double the charges in Europe or the Middle East. In some countries, the cost per passenger exceeds US$ 290.
For short-haul flights, taxes can represent up to 292% of the base fare. These costs are not only a burden on airlines as they are passed directly to the consumer, making air travel a luxury rather than a viable option for many.
Strategic Partnerships as a Path to Affordable African Aviation
One of the most important ways to maintain the airline sector’s viability while keeping user costs down is through strategic alliances. Among other things, government-to-government (G2G) agreements, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) can help reduce customer costs, increase government revenue, and enhance efficiency for all airline stakeholders.
PPPs are especially pertinent in Africa, where there is a great need for both technical expertise and capital. Establishing clear legal and regulatory frameworks, transparent bidding and procurement procedures, performance-based contracts with clearly defined KPIs, independent dispute resolution procedures, regular monitoring, and public reporting are just a few of the best practices that should be implemented for them to succeed.
One PPP approach that is gaining popularity is concessions, which involve giving the private sector control over certain airport operations and services. They can benefit all end users when they are well-designed. In nations such as Senegal, Brazil, and South Africa, concessions have made it possible for airports to modernise, improve passenger capacity, and enhance regional connections.
Although this strategy may help to streamline airport and airline operations, a dangerous situation arises when profit becomes the primary driver. This can lead to a fragmented and costly airspace, hindering regional integration. The ICAO Policy on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082) highlights this concern, noting that excessive commercialisation can result in inflated user fees, a trend already seen in various privatised airports.
Aligning for impact
Africa’s aviation sector can reach its full potential—if smart, fair, and transparent partnerships are prioritised across the board. From operational collaboration to policy reform, efficiency must be pursued without raising costs for carriers or passengers.
Strong government-to-government cooperation is also essential, especially under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which seeks to liberalise intra-African air access and foster a competitive, integrated air transport system.
Achieving this vision means putting passengers first, ensuring ticket prices reflect value rather than inefficiencies or excessive levies. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), in collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders, continues to champion reforms that address shared challenges through collaborative solutions—making affordability the norm, not the exception.
The Responsibility We Share
The African traveller’s experience of high ticket fares should not be the norm. Every African, regardless of income or geography, deserves access to safe and affordable air travel.
Ultimately, the future of Africa’s aviation is a shared responsibility. Every stakeholder—governments, investors, regulators, and airlines—must play their part, guided by a commitment to people-first approaches in every initiative. By working together, we can ensure that African skies remain affordable and accessible to the millions who rely on air transport for opportunity, connection, and progress. The time for collective action is now.
Abdérahmane Berthé is the Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a role he has held since January 1, 2018.
*The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of The Kenyan Wall Street.