Air travellers departing from African countries continued to face some of the highest charges globally in 2024, with a growing number of levies embedded in international ticket prices.
Passengers paid an average of $68 in taxes, charges, and fees per international departure, compared to $66 in 2022, according to the 2024 Taxes and Charges Study Review by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
These charges include multiple levies averaging 3.5 per ticket, ranging from government-imposed taxes to cost-recovery fees applied by airports and navigation service providers. While some are aimed at raising national revenue, others are tied directly to services offered during air travel.
Regionally, West Africa recorded the highest average charges at $109.5, up from $96.5 in 2022, followed by Central Africa with $106.6, reflecting a $10 increase over the same period.
The data, collected by IATA ACIC in September 2024, highlights the growing fiscal burden on African air passengers, despite international frameworks such as ICAO’s Chicago Convention (1944), which recommends limiting aviation taxation and ensuring transparency in charge structures.
This article highlights the top 10 African countries with the highest international air ticket charges in 2024, using comparative trends from AFRAA’s previous report released in 2022.
Chad ranked 10th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $105.7, down from $129.3 in 2022 when it placed 4th. This 18.23% reduction marks the steepest decline among the countries listed.
The country is situated in Central Africa and operates a single international gateway, N’Djamena International Airport, which handles all outbound international flights.
Despite limited air traffic compared to regional peers, Chad has historically featured among the most expensive countries for international departures, although recent trends suggest a downward adjustment in its fee structure.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 9th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $109.9, a decline from $124.2 in 2022 when it placed 6th. This represents an 11.48% reduction over the two-year period.
Located in Central Africa, DR Congo is served by multiple international airports, the most prominent being N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa, along with Goma International Airport in the east. The drop in charges suggests a modest easing of costs for international travellers.
Ghana ranked 8th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $111.5, the same figure it recorded in 2022 when it placed 10th. While the charge remained unchanged, the country moved up two spots due to cost reductions in other countries.
Ghana is located in West Africa and is primarily served by Kotoka International Airport in Accra, one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the region. The stable pricing reflects a consistent cost environment for international air travel.
Ghana is located in West Africa and is primarily served by Kotoka International Airport in Accra, one of the busiest and best-connected airports in the region. The stable pricing reflects a consistent cost environment for international air travel.
Liberia ranked 7th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $115.0, the same as in 2022 when it placed 8th. Although charges remained unchanged, the country moved up one position due to shifts in other rankings.
Located in West Africa, Liberia is served by Roberts International Airport, situated near Monrovia. It is the country’s only international airport handling scheduled outbound flights. The consistent fee structure suggests a relatively stable aviation policy over the period.
Benin Republic ranked 6th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $123.4. The country did not feature in the top 10 in 2022, making its entry a notable development.
Benin is located in West Africa and is served by Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, the country’s only international airport for commercial traffic. The rise in its ranking may reflect new or increased levies over the period.
Niger ranked 5th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $130.7, down from $148.3 in 2022 when it placed 2nd. This represents an 11.85% reduction over the two-year period.
The country is located in West Africa and is served by Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, its main international airport with regular scheduled outbound flights. Despite the drop in charges, Niger remains among the costliest for international travel in the region.
Djibouti ranked 4th in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $168.7, a decline from $184.4 in 2022 when it held the top position. This 8.49% decrease moved the country three spots down in the rankings.
Located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is served by Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, its main international airport with regular scheduled flights. Despite the decline, it remains one of Africa’s most expensive departure points.
Nigeria ranked 3rd in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $180.0, rising from $120.0 in 2022 when it was ranked 7th. This 50.00% increase is among the sharpest seen during the review period.
The country is located in West Africa and operates several international airports, with Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja being the busiest for scheduled international flights.
The sharp rise in charges likely reflects regulatory shifts and aviation cost restructuring.
Sierra Leone ranked 2nd in 2024 with international air ticket charges of $294.0, more than doubling its 2022 figure of $139.0 when it placed 3rd. The 111.51% increase is the most significant among all countries on the list.
Located in West Africa, Sierra Leone is served by Freetown International Airport in Lungi, the country’s main international gateway, with regular outbound flights. The steep rise in charges has positioned Sierra Leone as one of the most expensive countries for international departures.
Gabon topped the 2024 ranking with international air ticket charges of $297.7. The country did not feature in the top 10 in 2022, making its debut at the top a major shift in Africa’s aviation cost landscape.
Located in Central Africa, Gabon is served by Léon-Mba International Airport in Libreville, its main international airport with regular scheduled outbound flights. The country’s emergence at the top suggests a rapid increase in levies or a shift in how aviation-related fees are applied to outbound passengers.