A proposed $100 Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) on every return air ticket has drawn sharp criticism from aviation industry players and travellers, who warn that the new levy could make Ghana one of the most expensive destinations globally for passenger charges.
The charge, expected to take effect on April 1, 2026, would push total departure fees to $173 for one-way tickets and $243 for return tickets.
If implemented, stakeholders say Ghana could rank among the top 10 most expensive countries in the world in terms of air passenger charges.
The projected fees stand in stark contrast to global and regional averages.
Worldwide, airport charges for return trips typically range between $30 and $34, while the African average is estimated at about $68. West Africa already records one of the highest regional averages at roughly $110 per return trip.
Industry representatives say the new levy would significantly widen that gap.
Speaking at the 5th AviationGhana Breakfast Meeting, Ms Stellamarie Ndunge of the Board of Airline Representatives, Ghana (BAR-GH), cautioned that the proposed charge would make air travel less attractive and could hinder route expansion by airlines operating in and out of the country.
According to BAR-GH, Ghana currently ranks ninth in Africa in terms of airport charges.
However, if the AIDC is implemented as planned, the country could jump to third position on the continent, behind only Gabon and Sierra Leone.
Stakeholders argue that the increased risks diverting passenger traffic to more competitively priced hubs within the region, potentially costing Ghana valuable transit traffic, jobs and long-term aviation growth.
They further caution that higher charges could undermine Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a regional aviation hub, particularly at a time when other countries are pursuing strategies to attract airlines and boost connectivity.
While the government has positioned the proposed charge as a means to support airport infrastructure development, industry players insist that cost competitiveness remains critical in a highly price-sensitive aviation market.
With the April 2026 implementation date approaching, stakeholders are calling for broader consultations to assess the potential economic and competitiveness implications of the levy before it takes effect.
