The government has called on domestic airlines to pass on the benefits of recent import duty exemptions to passengers by reducing airfares. The appeal follows growing concerns about the cost of domestic air travel and ongoing efforts to make air transport more affordable and accessible to Ghanaians.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe made the call during the unveiling of Africa World Airlines’ (AWA) new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft, as the airline moves to expand its operations and improve domestic connectivity. Mr. Nikpe said the government’s decision to waive import duties on aircraft parts brought in by domestic airlines was intended to ease their operating costs and create an opportunity for lower airfares.
He therefore urged airlines, particularly AWA, to reflect the savings from the duty exemptions in the fares charged to passengers. “We want to seize this opportunity to appeal to all the airlines, especially the leading domestic airlines, to also look at their affairs and let it reflect on the Ghanaian traveller, so that our people can also enjoy some reduction in airfares,” he said.
The Minister also welcomed the introduction of larger aircraft, noting that increased passenger capacity could encourage more Ghanaians to choose domestic air travel. AWA’s new Embraer E190, which has a seating capacity of 102 passengers, is expected to boost the airline’s capacity and strengthen connectivity across domestic routes.
According to Mr. Nikpe, the combination of increased aircraft capacity and lower operating costs provides airlines with an opportunity to make domestic air travel more affordable and accessible to the travelling public.
