In the ever-evolving landscape of African aviation, where the promise of seamless connectivity and economic integration has long been a tantalizing vision, the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) has introduced a new measure that is sparking both intrigue and debate: a $1 Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on international commercial departing flights, set to commence on January 1, 2026. This decision, adopted by the seven-member states—Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone—aims to bolster the financial sustainability of BAG, the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), and the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA). But as African skies grapple with high costs, fragmented connectivity, and capacity constraints, this new charge raises critical questions: Does it advance the region’s aviation ambitions, or does it place yet another burden on African travelers? Let’s unpack the implications, benefits, and contradictions of this bold move.
The Context: A Region Struggling to Soar
African aviation is a paradox. The continent boasts vast potential for air travel to drive economic growth, yet it remains hamstrung by high costs, restrictive policies, and uneven capacity. The average African traveler faces some of the world’s highest airfares, compounded by a labyrinth of taxes, fees, and surcharges. In West Africa, the challenge is particularly acute. The region’s airlines often operate with limited fleets, and inter-country connectivity is notoriously poor, with travelers frequently routing through Europe or the Middle East to reach neighboring nations. The Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) were designed to dismantle these barriers, promoting open skies and unrestricted market access. Yet, progress has been sluggish, with many countries clinging to protectionist policies and local carriers struggling to scale.
Enter the Banjul Accord Group, a regional cooperative formed to harmonize aviation safety, oversight, and investigation among its member states. BAG’s mission is noble: to enhance safety standards, foster collaboration, and support the operationalization of SAATM. However, funding has been a persistent Achilles’ heel. Most member states have defaulted on their annual subscriptions, leaving Nigeria to shoulder the lion’s share of BAG’s financial burden. The $1 PSC emerges as a creative solution to this funding crisis, with a phased implementation culminating in 2030, when member state contributions are expected to be phased out entirely. But what does this mean for the region’s aviation ecosystem?
The Benefits: A Step Toward Sustainability and Safety
At its core, the PSC is a pragmatic response to BAG’s financial woes. By levying a modest $1 charge on departing international passengers, BAG aims to create a sustainable revenue stream to support its operations, BAGASOO’s safety oversight, and BAGAIA’s accident investigation capabilities. This is no small feat in a region where regulatory bodies often lack the resources to enforce robust safety standards. Enhanced funding could strengthen oversight, improve training for aviation personnel, and ensure compliance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). For a continent that has faced scrutiny over aviation safety, this is a critical step toward building trust among passengers and global regulators alike.
The PSC also aligns with broader regional goals. The funds could accelerate the operationalization of the BAG Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), which seeks to transform West Africa into a single domestic airspace. This would facilitate unrestricted market access, enabling airlines to operate freely across borders, reduce airfares, and cut travel times. As Capt. Chris Najomo, Nigeria’s Director-General of Civil Aviation, noted, improved connectivity could significantly lower ticket prices, making air travel more accessible to the average African. The PSC’s revenue could also support initiatives like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) increased funding—from €5 million to €10 million—which bolsters technical assistance and capacity-building in the region.
Moreover, the charge could foster regional collaboration. Nigeria’s leadership in supporting countries like Sierra Leone, which recently issued its first Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with Nigerian assistance, underscores the potential for stronger partnerships. By pooling resources through the PSC, BAG member states could share expertise, harmonize regulations, and build a more resilient aviation ecosystem.
The Implications: Another Burden on African Travelers?
While the PSC’s benefits are compelling, its implications cannot be ignored—particularly for African travelers, who dominate passenger numbers in the region. West Africa’s aviation market is already one of the most expensive in the world, with taxes, fuel surcharges, and airport fees inflating ticket prices. A $1 charge may seem trivial, but in a region where every dollar counts, it adds to the cumulative financial strain on passengers. For low-income travelers, who form a significant portion of the market, this could further deter air travel, undermining the very connectivity BAG seeks to promote.
The timing of the PSC is also contentious. African aviation is at a crossroads, with SAATM struggling to gain traction amid protectionist policies and capacity constraints. As Capt. Najomo highlighted, many BAG member states lack sufficient airline capacity, with some countries operating only one or two carriers—or none at all. The PSC risks being perceived as a tax on passengers to compensate for systemic inefficiencies, rather than a direct investment in their safety or convenience. Without transparent communication about how the funds will be used, skepticism could erode public trust.
Furthermore, the PSC’s focus on international departures raises questions of equity. While it applies to all passengers, African travelers—particularly those traveling within the region—will bear the brunt. International carriers operating out of BAG countries may pass the charge onto passengers, but their global customer base dilutes the impact. In contrast, African passengers, who often have fewer travel options, will feel the pinch more acutely. This could exacerbate perceptions of aviation as an elitist mode of transport, out of reach for the average citizen.
A Contradiction in Cost Reduction?
The PSC’s introduction stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of reducing air travel costs. SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision emphasize affordability and accessibility, yet the PSC adds another layer to the already complex cost structure of African aviation. While the charge aims to fund safety and connectivity initiatives that could eventually lower fares, the immediate effect is an increase in ticket prices—however small. This paradox raises a critical question: Can BAG balance short-term costs with long-term gains?
To succeed, BAG must ensure the PSC delivers tangible benefits. Passengers need to see safer skies, better connectivity, and more competitive fares. Transparency in how the funds are allocated will be crucial to maintaining public support. Additionally, BAG must address capacity constraints by supporting local carriers and fostering competition. Without these measures, the PSC risks being viewed as just another fee in a region already burdened by them.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Clarity and Collaboration
The $1 Passenger Safety Charge is a bold step toward financial sustainability for BAG and its affiliates, with the potential to strengthen safety oversight and regional integration. Yet, its success hinges on execution. BAG must prioritize transparency, ensuring passengers understand how their dollar contributes to safer, more connected skies. Member states must also commit to removing restrictive policies and building airline capacity to complement the PSC’s goals.
For African travelers, the charge is a reminder of the delicate balance between cost and progress. While the promise of a single African airspace and affordable fares is tantalizing, it requires collective effort—beyond a single dollar. As BAG navigates this new chapter, the region watches closely, hoping this small charge will fuel a giant leap toward a more accessible and prosperous aviation future.
Disclaimer: The insights shared in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute strategic advice. Aviation markets and circumstances vary, and decisions should be based on your organization’s specific context. For tailored consultancy and guidance, please contact info@avaerocapital.com.
