Ghana Moves to Cut Domestic Airfares as Ticket Prices Stay High
By Aboki Forex —
Ghana is taking steps to lower domestic airfares as concerns over high ticket prices persist. The Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev Stephen Wilfred Arthur, disclosed the measures on September 25, 2026. The plan centres on encouraging more airlines to enter the domestic market and reducing operating costs, including through the removal of import duties on aircraft spare parts.
The GCAA said making domestic air travel more affordable will require measures to reduce airlines' operating costs and increase competition within the market. “...measures are being taken to help reduce the cost of domestic air travel as concerns over high airfares continue to grow,” the report read in part.
Regulator's plan
Arthur said the GCAA does not fix airfares because ticket pricing is deregulated and largely determined by market forces. However, the regulator can intervene where airlines engage in anti-competitive practices or price collusion. The GCAA is encouraging more airlines to enter Ghana's domestic market. Arthur said new operators that meet regulatory requirements could increase available seats and competition.
He pointed to the removal of import duties on aircraft spare parts as a measure that could lower airline operating costs and potentially reduce fares. He also noted that fuel and aircraft leasing costs contribute significantly to ticket prices. The GCAA said safety and security would remain priorities as more airlines enter the market. Lower fares could encourage greater domestic air travel and support growth in Ghana's aviation sector.
How high are the fares?
A recent CUTS International survey puts return economy fares from Accra to Kumasi between US$275 and US$522. Accra to Tamale fares range from US$318 to US$565. Return fares between Accra and Takoradi range from US$379 to US$493.
The gap is more pronounced when compared with selected international markets. Return fares start from about US$152 in Lagos, US$166 in Nairobi and US$133 in Mumbai. Some European routes are cheaper still, with fares starting from US$108 in Paris, US$58 in Madrid and US$52 in Rome.
Cost drivers and competition
The major cost drivers for high domestic airfares include aviation fuel. The National Petroleum Authority estimates that fuel accounts for between 30 and 35 per cent of airline operating costs. The age and efficiency of aircraft also affect maintenance and operating costs, while airlines face significant foreign-exchange exposure.
Competition is another factor under scrutiny. Ghana's domestic aviation market is largely served by PassionAir and Africa World Airlines. That raises questions about whether more competition could put downward pressure on fares.
Nigeria comparison
Ghana's airfare measures mirror Nigeria's experience with rising airline operating costs. Nairametrics reported on September 3 that fuel, foreign exchange, maintenance, training and financing are major costs affecting airlines and limiting their ability to offer lower fares.
Ghana is pursuing a similar cost-reduction approach by removing import duties on aircraft spare parts, which could reduce some airline expenses and ease pressure on ticket prices. The GCAA is also relying on increased competition by encouraging more qualified airlines to enter the domestic market. More operators and available seats could complement cost-reduction measures by increasing capacity and competition in Ghana's aviation sector.
The comparison matters for Nigerian travellers and airlines because both markets face similar cost pressures. Fuel, FX, maintenance, training and financing continue to shape fares in Nigeria, as Nairametrics reported on September 3. Ghana's measures focus on the same cost levers and competition dynamics.