(JUBA) – Efforts to improve air connectivity across Africa, particularly in East Africa, are being held back by high taxation, charges and fees imposed on airlines and passengers. Despite progress in regional air policy reform, the high cost of flying continues to hinder travel and trade especially for countries like South Sudan, which are yet to ratify key liberalisation agreements.
According to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), passengers in Africa pay almost twice as much in taxes and charges on air tickets compared to travellers in Europe or the Middle East. In Africa, these taxes account for about 25–30 percent of the total ticket cost. For instance, a return ticket between Entebbe and Nairobi typically costs $300–$350 (about 1.38–1.61 million SSP), of which around $100 (approx. 460,000 SSP) goes toward taxes.
Departure taxes across East Africa further illustrate the cost disparity:
| City | Departure Tax (USD) | SSP Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Kinshasa | $77.50 | 356,500 SSP |
| Entebbe | $57.20 | 263,120 SSP |
| Dar es Salaam | $54.00 | 248,400 SSP |
| Nairobi | $50.00 | 230,000 SSP |
| Mogadishu | $42.00 | 193,200 SSP |
| Bujumbura | $40.00 | 184,000 SSP |
| Addis Ababa | $31.00 | 142,600 SSP |
A study by Predictive Mobility found that reducing ticket prices by just 10 percent could grow passenger demand across Africa from 22.3 million to 30.1 million annually. This price sensitivity shows that reducing taxes and fees could attract more travellers, help airlines become competitive, and boost regional economies.
Central and Western African regions have more favourable tax policies, saving passengers an average of $12.68 and $10.12 (around 58,328 SSP and 46,552 SSP) respectively, compared to other regions.
The East African Community (EAC), which recently marked 15 years of its Common Market Protocol, has prioritised air transport liberalisation to support free movement of people and goods. Airlines would be allowed to operate more freely across borders, helping reduce costs and increase travel.
The framework under discussion by the Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (SC-TCM) includes draft regulations that propose allowing aviation rights up to the Fifth Freedom of the Air, which permits an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries, provided the journey starts or ends in its home country.
However, EAC partner states have been slow to endorse the Fifth Freedom. The draft regulations awaiting approval permit airlines from member countries to exercise the “first, second, third, fourth and fifth freedoms of the air.” Additional rights can also be granted at the discretion of partner states.
EAC Council of Ministers chairperson Beatrice Askul confirmed the air liberalisation agenda remains active.
“We are making progress. The ministries involved—Transport, Communication and Infrastructure—are in consultation. Once an agreement is reached, it will be tabled before the Council,” she said.
Andrea Aguer Ariik, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, urged member states to sign the EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations, which would open regional skies.
“Once adopted and ratified, the market will be fully liberalised. Partner states will then negotiate bilateral air service arrangements under a multilateral framework,” Ariik said.
Despite the momentum, states remain cautious.
“EAC countries want to protect their national airlines on strategic routes, hence delaying full liberalisation,” said Adrian Njau, Acting CEO of the East African Business Council (EABC). While Fourth Freedom rights are active—allowing airlines to fly to another country—he stressed they are insufficient.
The absence of an open skies regime has forced EAC states to depend on restrictive bilateral air service agreements, complicating operations across the bloc.
Njau believes this should change: “We want domestic treatment for EAC flights. Bilateral pacts are too limiting.”
Countries like South Sudan, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda have yet to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a pan African initiative promoting lower fares and improved access. To date, only Kenya, Rwanda, and DR Congo from the EAC have fully acceded to SAATM.
A report by the SC-TCM urges the remaining EAC states to finalise their accession. Uganda has indicated it plans to join this financial year. “We’re waiting for Cabinet approval—then we’re set,” said Fred Bamwesigye, head of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority.
So far, 34 African countries, representing over 80 percent of the continent’s aviation market, have signed the SAATM agreement.
Even with progress on regulation, air travel remains disproportionately expensive.
“It costs us $3,000 (13.8 million SSP) to fly a delegate from Kinshasa to Arusha, but under $1,000 (4.6 million SSP) to Europe,” said Kennedy Mukulia, Chairperson of the East African Legislative Assembly’s Legal Committee.
Efforts are underway to harmonise air travel regulations and charges. Ariik said:
“The cost of airfare must be addressed. We should treat the EAC air market as domestic for regional carriers and apply local rates to lower passenger fares.”
A 2024 AFRAA study found that passengers flying out of Africa pay on average $68 (312,800 SSP) in taxes and fees per international flight, often covering 3.5 different charges. These fees make up more than 55 percent of the lowest base fares and over 35 percent of total ticket prices.
Given the low purchasing power in countries like South Sudan, excessive charges on air travel make it inaccessible for the majority. Addressing taxes and charges is seen as urgent to unlock the region’s full transport potential.
