Excessive taxes, regulatory fees, and airport levies are rendering intra-African air travel significantly more expensive than long-haul flights to Europe, despite the push for increased regional connectivity. Industry data reveals that taxes and charges account for up to 70 percent of ticket costs in Nigeria, with African departures averaging $68 in direct taxes—double the global average. Analysts attribute these high fares to a combination of fragmented aviation policies, limited competition, and currency hedging requirements that effectively price out many regional travelers. Experts emphasize that urgent implementation of harmonized aviation charges, such as those recommended by ECOWAS, is required to unlock the potential of intra-African trade and tourism.