Transport Minister urges domestic airlines to reduce airfares after duty exemptions

The government has called on domestic airlines to reflect recent import duty exemptions in the fares charged to passengers, with the aim of making air travel more affordable for Ghanaians.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the relief granted to domestic airlines on imported aircraft parts should help lower their operating costs and provide an opportunity for passengers to benefit through reduced fares.

He made the appeal during the unveiling of Africa World Airlines’ (AWA) new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft, as the airline works to expand its operations and improve domestic air connectivity.

Mr Nikpe urged airlines, particularly AWA, to ensure that the savings generated from the duty exemptions translate into lower costs for travellers.

“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.”

The Minister also welcomed AWA’s decision to introduce an aircraft with greater passenger capacity, saying the availability of larger aircraft could encourage more people to consider domestic air travel.

The Embraer E190 can accommodate 102 passengers and is expected to increase AWA’s capacity as the airline seeks to strengthen connectivity on domestic routes.

Mr Nikpe said the combination of lower operating costs and increased passenger capacity presents an opportunity for domestic airlines to make air travel more accessible to the public.