The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has condemned African governments for imposing exorbitant aviation costs and failing to reinvest in infrastructure, reported Aviation Week.

Speaking at the Aviation Africa 2025 summit in Kigali, IATA regional vice-president for Africa and the Middle East Kamil Al-Awadhi said fragmentation, high charges and poor infrastructure are stifling the continent's aviation growth. He warned that opening an airline in Africa remains "complicated, complex and costly."

Al-Awadhi said governments only engage with the industry when seeking funds or imposing fees, with some charges reportedly 20 times higher than in other regions. He criticised the belief that aviation is a revenue source to be exploited, noting that this mindset is harming airlines.

He added that 60 to 70 per cent of ticket prices in Africa go towards taxes and levies, and that governments have ignored industry pleas for reform over the past four years. He urged authorities to understand aviation's economic impact before introducing new taxes.

Al-Awadhi also highlighted the lack of reinvestment in aviation infrastructure, calling Africa's runways, airports and navigation services among the worst globally. He called for greater government engagement to unlock the sector's potential and support broader economic development.

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