Tanzania charges highest airline passenger levies in the world, discouraging international travelers
It is not cheap living in Tanzania, but it is even more expensive trying to fly in, out or within the country by any airline.
With Africa becoming the fastest growing destination in the global Aviation industry, a new report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), indicates that it is very expensive to fly to Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Regional Vice President for Middle East and Africa Kamil Alwadhi pointed out that Tanzania, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea happen to be the countries that demand the highest passenger levies in the world
Mr. Alawadhi was providing insights into the latest developments in African aviation including market trends, blocked funds, regional challenges, and IATA’s strategic priorities for the continent, during the Africa Media Roundtable held at the Sarit Center in Nairobi.
The Press briefing took place on the sidelines of Aviation Africa 2026 Summit and Exhibition taking place in Kenya.
IATA explained that Tanzania charges US$ 45 passenger levy per passenger and US$ 90 for return ticket, the newly imposed charges are second highest in the world at the moment.
Gabon, on the other hand, demands US$30 per person and US$60 for the return ticket.
But it is Equatorial Guinea which hits the ceiling imposing US$50 per flier and US$100 for a return ticket, the highest levy on the globe.
“Africa governments need to realize the value of the role that the aviation industry plays in the growth of their respective national GDP,” stated Kamil Al Wadhi.
He called for African countries to support airlines and ensure that the companies earn enough net profit to drive the business which at the moment has great potential to grow and plays a vital role in the boosting Tourism ecosystem.
At the moment the aviation industry in Africa is making great strides in terms of both passengers and freight.
In 2026 the number of passengers grew by 5.1 percent. However cargo transport slightly dropped by 1.1 percent, the drop is attributed to the rise in fuel prices and the geopolitical events such as the war in Iran and the Middle East.
Speaking earlier during the summit Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on African countries to deepen cooperation in aviation and accelerate implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Launched in 2018 as part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, SAATM is an initiative aimed at creating one unified air transport market across Africa to improve connectivity and drive economic growth.
The idea is to make it easier for African airlines to fly between African countries by removing restrictive bilateral arrangements and opening up routes.