Nigeria generated an estimated $62 million from airline ticket taxes in 2024, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), placing the country among Africa’s leading contributors to aviation tax revenue. The continent collectively earned $1.97 billion during the period, drawn almost entirely from international travel, with passengers paying an average of $20.7 per international ticket and just $49 million coming from domestic taxes.
Africa’s major aviation hubs drove much of the continent’s earnings: South Africa contributed about $410 million, Egypt $360 million, Ethiopia $310 million, Morocco $295 million, and Kenya $215 million. Despite its comparatively smaller market size, Nigeria remained a significant contributor within the regional landscape.
Globally, governments collected $60.3 billion from airline ticket taxes in 2024. North America accounted for the largest share at $34.1 billion, with passengers paying some of the highest tax rates worldwide—about $23.4 on domestic flights and nearly $49.8 on international routes. Europe followed with $14.5 billion in ticket-tax revenue, driven by widespread charges averaging $12.1 per ticket. South and Central America recorded some of the steepest international travel taxes at $45.5 per ticket, although their total revenue remained below North America and Europe because of lower passenger volumes. The Middle East was the only region with no ticket-specific taxes.
Nigeria’s ticket-tax burden increased further on December 1, 2025, when a new $11.5 security levy tied to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) took effect, raising the total mandatory security charge on each international ticket to $31.50. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the levy applies to all tickets issued from that date for passengers arriving in or departing the country. Airlines must collect the charge at the point of sale and remit it to the regulator, which says APIS strengthens border control, improves passenger screening efficiency, and supports system maintenance in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
