The African Airlines' Association (AFRAA) has said that the continent's airlines are struggling with high taxes and charges, particularly levies on fuel, the Star has reported.

This makes it difficult for carriers to charge cheaper fares, leaving Gulf, European and Middle Eastern carriers to offer low prices.

AFRAA says the foreign carriers have subsidised fares, non-interest loans, grants and other major support.

Any benefits Africa hoped to gain from the global fall in oil prices have been cancelled out by high taxes and charges, as well as a strong US dollar.

Kenya Airways is among the hardest-hit African airlines, as 37 per cent of its fuel costs go to taxes and levies.