Air travellers in the country will from today pay significantly more for both domestic and international flights as airlines begin implementing the government’s Airport Infrastructure Development Levy, a move already stirring concerns over rising travel costs and regional competitiveness.
Under the new charges, which was expected to take effect yesterday, domestic passengers would pay an additional GH¢100 per ticket, while regional travellers face a $30 surcharge on one-way fares and $70 on return tickets.
International passengers will see fares increase by $50 for one-way trips and $100 for return journeys.
The levy, introduced by the government to address infrastructure deficits in the aviation sector, is expected to drive up ticket prices across all routes, adding to the financial burden on passengers already grappling with rising travel costs.
The government said proceeds from the levy would be channelled into critical aviation projects, including the construction of a concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3 at Accra International Airport, the development of a 2,000-capacity car park at Terminal 3, and rehabilitation works at regional airports nationwide.
An aviation expert, Sean Mendis, defended the policy in an interview with Joy News, warning that Ghana faces limited options in sustaining its airport infrastructure.
According to him, the country must either increase airport charges or risk overburdening Accra International Airport, which currently subsidises the wider aviation network.
However, the levy has drawn criticism from some industry players, who argue that the additional charges, which come on top of existing taxes, could make Ghana one of the most expensive aviation markets in the region. The policy has also raised questions about its consistency with a directive by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which encourages member states to reduce air transport taxes by 25 percent to boost regional connectivity.
Further compounding concerns, airlines are already adjusting fares upward due to rising aviation fuel prices, partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The combined effect, stakeholders say, could significantly dampen demand for air travel.
Data from the Board of Airlines Representatives in Ghana suggests that Ghana could climb from ninth to third place among African countries with the highest airport charges if the levy is fully implemented, ranking behind Gabon and Sierra Leone.
Globally, average airport charges for return flights range between $30 and $34, compared to Africa’s average of about $68, underscoring growing concerns about affordability and the long-term impact on Ghana’s aviation sector.
A Daily Guide Report