Airfares Increase as Airport Infrastructure Levy Takes Effect Today
Domestic, regional, and international flights see higher ticket prices following new levy
- The Airport Infrastructure Development Levy takes effect today, increasing airfares for domestic, regional, and international flights
- Domestic passengers will pay an extra GH¢100, regional travelers $35–$70, and international travelers $50–$100 per ticket
- Industry experts warn the new charges may affect Ghana’s airport competitiveness
Airline ticket prices for domestic, regional, and international flights are set to rise starting today, following the implementation of the government’s Airport Infrastructure Development Levy.
Domestic passengers will pay an extra GH¢100 per flight within Ghana, while regional travelers face an additional $35 for one-way trips and $70 for return tickets. International travelers will see surcharges of $50 for one-way flights and $100 for return journeys.
Purpose of the Levy
The government says the levy is essential to address infrastructure gaps in the aviation sector. Revenue will fund key projects, including a concourse connecting Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport, a 2,000-capacity car park at Terminal 3, and rehabilitation work at regional airports.
Aviation expert Sean Mendis supported the move, warning that Ghana must either raise domestic airport charges or risk Kotoka International Airport facing financial strain from subsidizing the entire system.
Concerns and Implications
Some industry stakeholders worry that the new levy, combined with existing taxes, could make Ghana’s airports among the most expensive in the region, potentially reducing competitiveness. Questions have also been raised about alignment with an ECOWAS directive recommending a 25% reduction in air transport taxes to boost regional connectivity.
Passengers are advised to anticipate higher ticket costs from today, as the levy takes effect. The increase comes amid broader fare adjustments due to rising aviation fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to the Board of Airlines Representatives in Ghana, full implementation of the levy could push Ghana from 9th to 3rd place among African countries with the highest airport charges, behind Gabon and Sierra Leone. Globally, average return-trip airport charges range from $30 to $34, while Africa’s average is about $68, raising concerns about affordability and competitiveness.
