Air Peace Crash London Fares to $3,000 Because of Tinubu’s Support, Says Onyema
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the remarkable reduction in international airfares between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, following the airline’s successful launch of direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Onyema said the intervention and policy support from the Federal Government made it possible for Air Peace to operate profitably on the highly competitive London route while offering passengers significantly lower fares.
According to him, before Air Peace commenced operations on the Abuja–London route, airfares on international carriers were as high as $13,000, but since the Nigerian airline’s entry, prices have dropped to around $3,000 or less.
“I want to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pulling this off,” Onyema said.
This is an example of government paving the way for the private sector to thrive. Without the President’s decisive intervention and the support of key ministries, this achievement would not have been possible.”
The Air Peace boss described the development as a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that for the first time in years, a domestic carrier has successfully broken the monopoly of foreign airlines on one of the most lucrative routes in Africa.
Onyema emphasized that the London flight milestone was not just a business success but also a patriotic achievement that restored national pride and demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian airlines to compete globally.
He explained that the Federal Government’s diplomatic backing, especially in securing necessary clearances and landing rights at London Heathrow Airport, was instrumental in ensuring the airline’s smooth entry into the international market.
“When the government stands behind indigenous companies with the right policies, miracles happen,” Onyema added. “We are proving that Nigerian businesses can play on the global stage when given fair opportunity.”
Since the commencement of Air Peace’s London operations, passengers have reported increased options and competitive pricing, forcing several foreign airlines to adjust their fares downward.
Aviation analysts have lauded the move as a significant step toward liberalizing Nigeria’s aviation market, enhancing affordability for travelers, and promoting local participation in the international air transport industry.
They also called on the government to continue providing the regulatory and diplomatic support needed for local airlines to expand their routes to other global destinations such as New York, Dubai, and Johannesburg.
With Air Peace’s growing success on the London route, Onyema reiterated his commitment to deepening Nigeria’s footprint in international aviation and urged continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to sustain the progress made so far.
