The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the decisive policy interventions that made possible the airline’s historic Abuja–London Heathrow flight and significantly reduced international airfare costs for Nigerians.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Onyema described the milestone as a “turning point for Nigeria’s aviation sector”, highlighting the critical role of public–private collaboration in driving national development.
“I want to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pulling this off. This is an example of government paving the way for the private sector to thrive,” Onyema said.
“No country develops without the private sector, because it is the private sector that embodies and implements the visions and aspirations of government.”
Tinubu’s Policy Impact on Airfare and Aviation Growth
According to Onyema, President Tinubu’s intervention helped force international carriers to slash ticket prices on the Nigeria–UK route — from as high as $13,000 to about $3,000.
“President Tinubu did the right thing for this country. His intervention forced foreign airlines to reduce their ticket prices drastically. Prices have come down from $13,000 from Abuja to Heathrow; we’ve brought it down to $3,000,” he stated.
The comments came just days after Air Peace inaugurated its maiden direct flight from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to London Heathrow Airport on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Confirming the development, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, through his aide, said:
“The flight took off this morning, Sunday, October 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive this evening in London — marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
Air Peace Expands UK Operations, Boosts Competition
Onyema revealed that Air Peace now operates 14 weekly flights between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, covering both the Lagos–London Gatwick and Abuja–London Heathrow routes — a first for any Nigerian carrier.
He said the airline’s entry into the UK market has introduced long-overdue competition, compelling foreign airlines to adjust their fares and improve services.
“This is the first time any Nigerian airline will be flying both the Lagos–London Gatwick and Abuja–London Heathrow routes simultaneously,” Onyema said.
“It’s opened the corridor not just to Europe but to the entire world. Many passengers are now connecting to America, Canada, and Asia through London, saving money with our affordable fares.”
He added that the development has benefitted even non-Air Peace passengers:
“Even if you don’t fly Air Peace, you can now fly other airlines at reduced fares. Air Peace cannot fly everybody, but at least Nigerians now have a choice.”
Policy Reforms Driving Industry Confidence
Onyema also praised Minister Festus Keyamo for championing reforms that restored confidence in the Nigerian aviation industry.
He noted that, for the first time in over 15 years, Nigerian airlines can now access international aircraft leasing options due to the implementation of the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, signed under the Tinubu administration.
“This is the first time airlines in Nigeria will have leasing options. For over 15 years, the industry was blacklisted, but this administration changed everything. They’ve given Nigerian aviation a new lease of life,” he said.
He further applauded the federal government’s removal of the 4% FOB levy on imported aircraft parts, describing it as a responsive and business-friendly decision.
“We’re not asking for money — just supportive policies. When we complained about the levy, the president removed it immediately. That’s what a listening government does,” Onyema added.
Warning Against Bureaucratic Hostility
However, Onyema cautioned against what he described as a “pull-him-down” culture within certain bureaucratic circles, warning that hostility toward indigenous enterprises could undermine national progress.
“Destroying a company like Air Peace that employs over 10,000 Nigerians harms the nation. When people lose jobs, insecurity rises,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Air Peace’s success reflects the collective aspirations of Nigerians, not just his personal achievements.
“Air Peace is not about Allen Onyema — it’s about Nigeria. Every time we fly our flag in London, we show what Nigerians can achieve when government and the private sector work together.”
Background: A Diplomatic Breakthrough
As Emmynet24 news media earlier reported, Minister Festus Keyamo disclosed in June 2025 that the London route breakthrough was the outcome of sustained diplomatic engagement with the United Kingdom, following a letter dated August 1, 2024, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh.
Keyamo said the development demonstrates Nigeria’s renewed commitment to enforcing reciprocity in international air travel agreements, ensuring Nigerian carriers enjoy fair access to global markets.
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