Airlines have begun passing the charge directly to passengers, increasing ticket prices on domestic, regional and long-haul routes.

Regional fares have risen by up to $30 for one-way trips, while international passengers face surcharges of $50 on one-way tickets and $100 on return journeys.

PassionAir and Africa World Airlines said they had adjusted fares in line with the directive, applying the levy to all tickets issued from April 1.

The charge is part of the government’s effort to raise dedicated funding for airport upgrades. Planned projects include a new concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport, expanded parking facilities, and rehabilitation works at regional airports.

The policy has drawn concern from industry players, who say it risks making Ghana one of Africa’s most expensive aviation markets.

The increase also runs counter to efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to cut air transport taxes by 25% to improve regional connectivity. Taxes and charges already account for up to half of ticket prices in West Africa, according to industry data.

The timing adds pressure on travellers, with airlines globally still adjusting fares in response to higher fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions.

Across Africa, the impact is particularly acute. Airlines earned an average of about $1.40 per passenger in 2025, far below global peers, leaving little room to absorb rising costs.

Ghana’s move reflects a broader regional trend. Recent increases in aviation-related charges in countries such as Nigeria, alongside higher navigation fees across African airspace, point to growing cost pressures in the sector.

For passengers, the effect is immediate: higher fares. For policymakers, the challenge remains balancing the need to fund infrastructure with making air travel more affordable in a region where connectivity is already limited.