Air Peace Commends Tinubu’s Aviation Reforms as Fares Drop from $13,000 to $3,000
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the policy interventions that enabled the airline’s direct Abuja–London Heathrow flight and helped reduce international airfares from about $13,000 to $3,000.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Onyema described the new route as a historic development for Nigeria’s aviation industry, emphasizing that the achievement highlights the power of collaboration between government and the private sector.
“I want to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pulling this off. This is an example of government paving the way for private enterprise to thrive,” Onyema said. “His intervention forced foreign airlines to reduce their ticket prices drastically — fares that once reached $13,000 from Abuja to Heathrow have now dropped to around $3,000.”
The Air Peace boss credited the administration for creating a more business-friendly aviation environment, noting that the success of the airline’s Abuja–London Heathrow route, which launched on Sunday, October 26, marks a new era for indigenous carriers.
According to a statement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the inaugural flight departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and landed safely at London Heathrow, underscoring what he called “a milestone moment” for Nigeria’s air transport sector.
A Boost for Nigerian Aviation
Onyema stated that the entry of Air Peace into the UK market has significantly improved competition and affordability, benefitting both Nigerians and foreign travelers.
“Even Britons on our flights were happy because competition has finally arrived. Air Peace has saved Nigerians money and made flying affordable again,” he said.
The airline currently operates 14 weekly flights between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, covering both Lagos–London Gatwick and Abuja–London Heathrow routes — a first for any Nigerian airline.
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He added that the expansion has not only enhanced travel options but also facilitated cheaper connections for Nigerians traveling onward to destinations in America, Canada, and Asia.
“It’s opened the corridor not just to Europe but to the entire world. Even if you don’t fly Air Peace, other airlines are now forced to lower their fares. Nigerians finally have a choice,” Onyema said.
Government Policies Driving Change
Onyema also praised Minister Festus Keyamo for his role in executing the president’s aviation vision, highlighting several policy changes that have revived investor confidence in the sector.
He noted that under Tinubu’s administration, Nigerian airlines have regained access to international leasing after more than 15 years of restrictions, thanks to the signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which allows global leasing firms to do business with Nigerian operators.
In addition, Onyema commended the government for removing the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy on imported aircraft parts — a move he said has lowered operational costs and encouraged private investment.
“We’re not asking for handouts, just supportive policies. When we raised concerns about the levy, the president listened and acted immediately. That’s what a responsive government does,” he said.
Challenges and Warnings
While expressing optimism, Onyema cautioned against bureaucratic resistance and negative attitudes toward indigenous businesses.
“Some people still suffer from a pull-him-down syndrome. Destroying a company like Air Peace, which employs over 10,000 Nigerians, only harms the nation. When businesses collapse, insecurity grows,” he warned.
He reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to representing Nigeria positively on the global stage, insisting that the company’s success is a collective national achievement.
“Air Peace is not about Allen Onyema — it’s about Nigeria. Every time we fly the Nigerian flag into London, we demonstrate what’s possible when government and the private sector work hand in hand,” he concluded.
Policy Background
Earlier this year, Minister Keyamo explained that the successful launch of Air Peace’s UK routes followed sustained diplomatic negotiations with British authorities to enforce reciprocity in air travel agreements. He said the Federal Government’s correspondence to the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport in August 2024 played a key role in securing landing rights for Nigerian carriers.
The development is widely viewed as part of the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to revitalize local aviation, promote fair competition, and ensure that Nigerian airlines gain equal access to international markets previously dominated by foreign operators.