NewsDespite shorter distances, domestic air travel remains largely unaffordable in many African countries, where ticket prices often approach or exceed minimum wages despite the time and comfort advantages over road transport. Benin reopened its domestic air market on Monday, March 23, with the inaugural flight of Amazone Airlines. That gap between ticket prices and income levels is not unique to Benin. In Nigeria, industry players point to a multiplicity of taxes and fees that can account for up to 70% of a ticket price, directly pushing up the final cost for passengers. Beyond efforts on costs and infrastructure, it is that gap which largely explains the persistent inaccessibility of flights, whether domestic or international.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 26, 2026 14:46 UTC