Nigeria generated $62 million from airline ticket taxes in 2024, according to new data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) comparing global aviation charges across regions.
The report showed that Nigeria’s contribution formed a significant part of the $1.97 billion collected across Africa from airline ticket taxes during the year.
IATA noted that while Africa accounted for a small share of worldwide revenue, key markets such as Nigeria helped define the continent’s overall performance.
South Africa led the continent with an estimated $410 million, followed by Egypt with $360 million, Ethiopia with $310 million, Morocco with $295 million, and Kenya with about $215 million, reflecting the dominance of major international hubs.
Africa recorded an average charge of $14.9 per passenger from airline ticket taxes, positioning the region above Asia Pacific but below South America and North America.
North America generated the highest global revenue with $34.1 billion, driven by average domestic charges of $23.4 and international charges nearing $49.8 per ticket.
Europe followed with $14.5 billion from combined domestic and international taxes, supported by moderate but widespread charges averaging $12.1 per passenger.
South and Central America stood out for imposing some of the world’s highest international aviation levies at $45.5 per passenger despite having lower total revenue due to reduced traffic.
The Middle East remained the only region worldwide without airline ticket taxes applied during the year.
Africa’s aviation pattern showed that most revenue came from international travel, with domestic earnings contributing just $49 million in 2024.
The continent’s international revenue relied on average charges of $20.7 per passenger, reflecting the reliance on long-haul routes for most African carriers.
Nigeria’s aviation taxes rose further on December 1, 2025, after authorities introduced an additional $11.5 security levy under the Advance Passenger Information System.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said the APIS levy applies to all passengers entering or departing Nigeria and is charged at the point of ticket purchase.
The agency explained that the system enhances border management, improves passenger data processing, and supports coordination with the Nigeria Immigration Service to strengthen travel security.
