African airlines are crippled by high costs of fuel and taxes which affect their operation, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) – a body that oversees airlines in the continent has said.
Speaking at the ongoing Routes Africa Summit in Victoria Falls, AFRAA secretary general Elijah Chingosho expressed concern over high industrial taxes levied by African governments and tourism authorities on airlines, saying they brought in unnecessary challenges.
Chingosho said on average authorities levy between $40 and $100 per passenger, which is four times higher than world average of $25 per passenger and this is crippling airlines.
“There are a number of challenges facing airlines in Africa-these are safety perceptions, industrial costs, visa requirements and liberalisation. Industrial costs charged by airport authorities and governments in Africa are much higher than the average world costs meaning to say African airlines costs are higher than those of competitors,” said Chingosho.
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