Why are flight tickets to West Africa more expensive than going to America?

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Frodette Baggins

Each airline has to pay for air-space when flying over anothers territory. If you fly to Africa from the UK you fly mostly over land. If you fly to America from the UK you fly mostly over water - and much of it is non-territorial. Certain airlines from certain countries have 'agreements' set up. They compromise on the charges and that is why sometimes - for example Malaysian and Singapore Airlines will have different travel times from Heathrow to either Kuala Lumper or Singapore - they have negotiated different deals with different countries and while the air-fare may be similar there is a difference in how long you will have to fly for.
America is also a far more popular destination than West Africa (heaven only knows why!) and airlines will cut prices for your custom - it could be the empty seats that you are paying for when you go to West Africa, when the flight to America will be full.

Filthy Lucre

They want you to be sure that you really want to go there.

Zahavah

Well , because America is a DC ( Developed Country ) whereas West Africa ( just as the rest of Africa ) is a IDC ( In Development Country ) , so there's a bigger risk ( like crashing ) ... not only that but don't forget '' the conditions '' ( such as hotter days , mosquitoes , '' santopeias '' , '' largatixas '' , dirtier roads , a lot --- and I mean a lot --- of traffic , '' energy and water blocks '' , etc ) . Lesser flight agencies is one of the common reasons too . Oh and it's only dangerous in certain areas . I should know I live there .

HYPER_LOGIC

because it cheaper for the airline on the return flight, where as in west africa noone has money to leave.

Shane C

Itâ€™s a nicer place to go to than Americaâ€¦ so they can charge more.

PS: it is a really beautiful country, really worth the extra money. but if you want a good deal try going during winter, the prices are a bit lower

SYJ

More risky and the cost of fuel to return makes for big increases in price of flights.

papars

Depends from where you are flying. But generally, under-developed and developing countries charge higher fees from airlines for overfly rights and navigational assistance etc, since they need to develop their aviation infrastructure and conform to internationally accepted standards of air safety. Thus, when an aircraft flies over several African countries before reaching its destination in Africa, the airline concerned has to pay several $$$ for the overfly rights and navigational assistance such as radar etc. This, in turn, is passed on to passengers.

JULIE S

Less competition

Karen And Ollie

because West Africa can be a dangerous place so its done try and deter people from going there

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