Concerns are growing within Ghana’s aviation sector as new airport levies threaten to increase travel costs and reduce the country’s competitiveness as a regional hub.
The concerns come after fresh data showed that airport tax revenue fell short of government expectations in 2025, with collections missing the target by about GH¢400 million.
Government had projected nearly GH¢2 billion in airport tax inflows but realised approximately GH¢1.56 billion instead.
Industry players say the shortfall may have contributed to the decision to introduce new charges on both domestic and international air travel.
Under the new measures, domestic passengers will pay an extra GH¢100 per flight, while regional travellers will face additional charges of 30 dollars for one-way tickets and 70 dollars for return fares.
International passengers will also pay a surcharge of 50 dollars on one-way tickets and 100 dollars on return tickets.
Government argues that the levies are necessary to finance major aviation infrastructure projects, including a concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3 at Accra International Airport, a new 2,000-space car park at Terminal 3 and upgrades to regional airports.
However, airline operators and industry analysts warn that the higher charges could discourage travel and make Ghana one of the most expensive countries for air transport in Africa.
According to the Board of Airline Representatives in Ghana, the country could move from ninth to third position among African countries with the highest airport charges if the new levy is fully implemented.
That would place Ghana behind only Gabon and Sierra Leone.
The concerns are further heightened by an ECOWAS directive encouraging member states to reduce air transport taxes by 25 per cent to promote regional travel and connectivity.
The new levies are also coming at a time when airlines are already increasing fares because of higher aviation fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Analysts warn that when combined with existing airport charges, the latest increases could affect passenger numbers, weaken Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub and place additional pressure on airlines and travellers alike.
