Nigeria generated $62 million from airline ticket taxes in 2024, according to newly released data by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This revenue formed part of the global $60.3 billion ticket-tax revenue recorded worldwide, with Africa contributing $1.97 billion during the period. The continent’s taxes averaged $14.9 per passenger, higher than Asia Pacific but lower than North America and South America.
Africa’s revenue was largely driven by countries with busy international hubs, including South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Kenya. These nations generated significant revenue, with South Africa earning an estimated $410 million, Egypt $360 million, Ethiopia $310 million, Morocco $295 million, and Kenya $215 million. Nigeria also played a noticeable role in shaping the continent’s earnings.
Globally, North America remained the dominant source of ticket-tax revenue, generating $34.1 billion, with passengers paying an average of $23.4 per domestic ticket and $49.8 on international routes. Europe followed with $14.5 billion in combined domestic and international taxes, driven by moderate but widespread charges averaging $12.1 per ticket. South and Central America had some of the world’s highest international passenger taxes, averaging $45.5 per ticket.
In contrast, the Middle East collected no ticket-specific taxes, while almost all of Africa’s revenue came from international travel, with domestic ticket taxes amounting to just $49 million. The continent’s international ticket-tax earnings were largely driven by average charges of $20.7 per passenger.
Nigeria’s tax revenue from airline tickets increased further with the introduction of an additional $11.5 security levy under the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) on December 1, 2025. This raised the total security levy on each flight ticket to $31.50, applicable to all international travel to and from Nigeria. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will collect this levy from airlines, which are responsible for remitting the charge.
The revenue generated from airline ticket taxes highlights the significant contribution of the aviation industry to national economies. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely that ticket-tax revenue will increase, providing a vital source of income for governments. The introduction of new taxes and levies, such as the APIS levy in Nigeria, may also impact the industry, and it remains to be seen how these changes will affect air travel and revenue generation in the future.
