Air Peace Rejects Claims of FG Collusion Over Lagos–São Paulo Route

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has denied allegations that it colluded with the Federal Government to mislead Nigerians over the proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct flight.

The airline was reacting to reports in which Nigerians residing in Brazil accused both the Bola Tinubu administration and Air Peace of making false claims about the commencement of direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo.

The reports alleged that despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Brazil in August 2025, the route has yet to become operational.

In a statement, Air Peace dismissed the claims as misleading and malicious, insisting that neither the airline nor the Federal Government deceived Nigerians regarding the proposed service.

Air Peace spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, said the airline was still in talks with relevant Nigerian authorities, working with the Brazilian government and engaging stakeholders in Brazil to ensure the successful launch of the route.

According to the airline, an MoU does not amount to the immediate commencement of flights, describing it instead as a declaration of intent between governments to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“The allegation of a scam is false and dishonest. At no point did Air Peace or the Federal Government defraud Nigerians in Brazil or anywhere else concerning the Lagos–São Paulo route,” the statement said.

The airline clarified that no tickets had been sold, no flight dates announced and no booking platforms opened, stressing that it was therefore incorrect to claim that passengers were stranded by a service that had not been placed on sale.

Air Peace noted that international long-haul operations require extensive regulatory and operational clearances including approvals under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, authorisation from Brazil’s civil aviation authority, airport slot allocations, safety certifications and route viability assessments.

Addressing concerns about capacity, the airline said it has four Boeing 777-200/300 aircraft capable of operating the route, two of which are currently deployed on its London services, while the remaining aircraft are available for future long-haul operations once all requirements are met.

The airline also dismissed suggestions that the proposed route would automatically reduce international airfares, stating that ticket prices are influenced by global market forces beyond its control.

Air Peace further described the allegations as a coordinated attempt to damage its reputation and that of the Federal Government, allegedly driven by vested interests.

It reaffirmed that preparations for the Lagos–São Paulo route began last year and maintained that all regulatory and commercial processes must be completed before any announcement of flight schedules.

The airline stressed that safety remains its top priority and warned against what it described as attempts to undermine Nigerian businesses through misinformation and media manipulation.