By Chinelo Obogo
Nigeria has emerged as the third most expensive country in Africa for international and regional departure taxes, with passengers paying an average of $180 in ticket taxes, charges, and fees.
A report released by the African Airlines Association on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, reveals that Gabon leads the continent with the highest international departure costs at $297.70, followed by Sierra Leone at $294. Nigeria’s $180.0 places it at third position ahead of Djibouti ($168.7), Niger ($130.7), Benin ($123.4), and Ghana ($111.5).
In contrast, countries like Libya charge $1.3, Malawi, $5.0, Lesotho, $5.7, and Algeria $9.8, charge lower despite many of them having more air traffic. Other more affordable nations include Eswatini at $14.2, Tunisia, $15.4, Botswana, $18.9, Morocco, $25.1, Sao Tome, $26.0, Angola, $28.4, and South Africa, $28.5.
Regionally, West Africa is the most expensive sub-region for international departures, with an average of $109.5 in taxes, charges, and fees, an increase from $96.5 in 2022. Central Africa follows with an average of $106.6, a $10 increase from the previous year. While Eastern and Southern African regions are more affordable, they still charge $63.32 and $34.5 per passenger, respectively, both showing an increase from 2022 figures. Northern Africa remains the least expensive region, with an average of just $25.27.
The data from AFRAA indicates that more than half (12 out of 23) of countries in Central and Western Africa charge over $100 in fees, despite these two regions accounting for only 23% of the continent’s air traffic. In contrast, most Northern African countries, which represent 35% of the continental traffic, charge less than $50.
For regional departures within Africa, passengers pay an average of $59.05, up from $57.4 in 2022. Sierra Leone again tops the list at $294, followed by Gabon at $260 and Nigeria at $180. The least expensive for regional departures are similar to those for international flights with Libya at $1, Malawi, $5, Lesotho, $5.7, and Algeria, $9.8. West Africa maintains its position as the most expensive region for regional travel at an average cost of $97 compared to $80.20 in 2022.
Central Africa follows at $85.9, an increase of $4. Eastern and Southern African regions charge $52.8 and $33.3 respectively, also showing slight increases from 2022.
When compared to other regions, African passengers pay an average of $68 in regional departure taxes compared to European travelers who pay just $32 and Middle Eastern passengers that pay $34, despite these regions having far more passenger traffic. Also, African passengers pay an average of 3.5 different ticket taxes, charges, and fees on departure, compared to 2.53 in Europe and 2.69 in the Middle East
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