Domestic airlines are being urged to reduce ticket prices after the government waived import duties on aircraft parts to help lower their operating costs.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said passengers should also benefit from the relief granted to airlines through lower domestic airfares.

Speaking during the unveiling of Africa World Airlines’ new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft, the minister said the removal of duties on imported aircraft parts should reduce some of the costs faced by domestic airlines.

He said airlines should ensure that part of the savings is passed on to passengers.

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“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,” he stated.

The call comes amid concerns over the cost of domestic flights, particularly for passengers who regularly travel between Accra and other parts of the country.

The government believes lower fares could encourage more people to choose air travel and make domestic aviation more accessible.

The minister also welcomed the addition of larger aircraft to domestic operations, saying increased capacity could enable airlines to carry more passengers.

Africa World Airlines’ new Embraer E190 can carry 102 passengers and is expected to increase the airline’s capacity on its routes.

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Nikpe said the combination of lower operating costs and increased passenger capacity provides an opportunity for airlines to review their fares.

He said the financial relief provided through the duty waivers should not benefit airlines alone but should also be felt by passengers through lower ticket prices.

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