Airline ticket prices for both domestic and international travel have increased from today following the implementation of the government’s Airport Infrastructure Development Levy.

Under the new charges, domestic passengers will pay an additional GH¢100 for flights within Ghana. Regional travel will attract an extra $30 for one-way tickets and $70 for return trips, while international passengers will pay $50 more for one-way tickets and $100 extra for return fares.

Government says the levy is necessary to address infrastructure gaps in the aviation sector. Revenue will fund key projects, including a concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport, a 2,000-capacity car park at Terminal 3, and rehabilitation works at regional airports.

Aviation expert Sean Mendis has supported the move, stating that Ghana must either increase domestic airport charges or risk overburdening the airport system.

However, some industry players warn that the levy, combined with existing taxes, could make Ghana one of the most expensive aviation markets in the region and reduce its competitiveness. Others have questioned its alignment with an ECOWAS directive urging a 25% reduction in air transport taxes to improve regional connectivity.

Passengers are being advised to expect higher ticket costs, especially as some airlines are already increasing fares due to rising aviation fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

According to the Board of Airlines Representatives in Ghana, the country could move from 9th to 3rd place among African nations with the highest airport charges, behind Gabon and Sierra Leone.

Globally, average airport charges for return trips range between $30 and $34, compared to Africa’s average of about $68, raising further concerns about affordability and competitiveness.