Reduce airfares after duty waivers – Transport Minister tells airlines

The call comes amid concerns over the cost of domestic air travel and efforts to make air transport more affordable and accessible to Ghanaians.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe made the appeal at the unveiling of Africa World Airlines’ (AWA) new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft, as the airline expands its operations and seeks to strengthen domestic connectivity.

According to Mr. Nikpe, the decision to waive duties on aircraft parts imported by domestic airlines should help reduce their operating costs and create room for lower fares.

He therefore urged airlines, particularly AWA, to reflect the savings from the exemptions in the prices charged to passengers.

“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 Transport Minister also welcomed the introduction of larger aircraft, saying increased passenger capacity could encourage more Ghanaians to opt for domestic air travel.

The new Embraer E190, with a seating capacity of 102 passengers, is expected to support AWA’s efforts to expand capacity and strengthen connectivity on domestic routes.

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