International travel to various African countries is becoming more expensive. Travelers are paying the most expensive costs for departures anywhere in the world. A recent analysis of data on tickets has revealed that travelers from regions in West, as well as Central Africa, are hit hardest by the cost of taxes, fees and other fees that come with their air tickets.
The top on the list is Gabon in the middle, where international travelers have to pay $297.70 in extra fees per flight. The next closest is Sierra Leone, with fees that reach $294, which makes even regional travel financially difficult for many.
Nigeria is third in the world in the rankings, with every outbound international ticket costing about $150 in additional expenses. Many frequent travelers to major airports such as Lagos or Abuja are familiar with the fees that are imposed, which include airport development fees as well as security levies and administrative taxes.
In Djibouti, the cost for passengers is $168.70 in travel expenses in Djibouti, and Niger as well as Benin are next by paying $130.70 or $123.40, respectively. Senegal, Liberia, Ghana as well as DR Congo complete the top 10 list, each with charges for international tickets that are well over $100.
The fees are way higher than the average continental price, which is $68. Experts warn that they’re contributing to an increase in the cost of travel, which is limiting mobility as well as limiting the growth of tourism and business in the region.
The interesting thing is that, despite imposing some of the highest prices, West and Central African countries account for around 23 percent of Africa’s total passenger circulation. Contrastingly, Northern African countries–where average tickets are priced less, at around $25–handle more than 35 percent of all flights on the continent.
The cost disparity can cause some travelers to find alternative routes in countries that have less expensive fees, and increasing calls for a continental review of the aviation tax. Travel experts say that while certain levies are essential to ensure an airport’s infrastructure, the financial burden put on passengers is a hindrance.
With more than 66 million people traveling to Africa in the last year and a growing attraction to travel within Africa, the stakeholders are calling on African governments to lower costs for air tickets, increase airlines to compete, and encourage cheaper travel across the borders.
the Top 10 African Countries with the Most International Air Ticket Costs
- Gabon – $297.70
- Sierra Leone – $294.00
- Nigeria – $180.00
- Djibouti – $168.70
- Niger – $130.70
- Benin – $123.40
- Senegal – $122.60
- Liberia – $115.00
- Ghana – $111.50
- DR Congo – $109.90
As air travel expands across Africa and the Middle East, the demand for more fair as well as transparent prices is becoming more pronounced, for many travelers who are paying for traveling begin well before the time of boarding.
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