Air Peace has rejected allegations that it defrauded Nigerians in connection with its proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct flight, insisting that the route has not yet launched and remains under regulatory and diplomatic review.
The airline said it has not sold tickets, operated flights, or stranded passengers in Brazil, countering claims published by an online investigative platform. Air Peace maintains that recent reports confused a diplomatic memorandum with an operational flight launch.
What Air Peace Says Happened
According to Punch Nigeria, Air Peace spokesperson Osifo-Whiskey Efe described the allegations as false and misleading. He said the airline only participated in high-level discussions between Nigeria and Brazil aimed at exploring future air connectivity and that no commercial activity has begun.
The airline stressed that it never announced a confirmed launch date for the Lagos–São Paulo service and warned against equating diplomatic engagement with airline operations.
Why the Lagos–São Paulo Route Has Not Started
Air Peace explained that launching a long-haul international route requires extensive regulatory approvals beyond political agreements. These include traffic rights under bilateral air services agreements, civil aviation authority approvals in both countries, airport slot allocations, and aircraft operational clearance.
Industry standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and implemented by national regulators require airlines to complete these steps before selling tickets or scheduling flights.
Nigeria–Brazil Aviation Context
Nigeria and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding in Brasília in 2025 to strengthen aviation cooperation. Such MoUs are common in international aviation and typically outline intent rather than authorize immediate flights.
Aviation analysts note that Africa–South America routes remain limited due to distance, cost, and regulatory complexity. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), direct connectivity between the two regions is still underdeveloped compared to Africa–Europe or Africa–Middle East markets.
Addressing the Fraud Allegations
The disputed report alleged that Nigerians were stranded in Brazil after paying for tickets on a non-existent route. Air Peace categorically denied this, saying:
- No tickets were issued
- No flights were operated
- No passengers were stranded
- No payments were collected for the route
Other Nigerian media outlets published the same rebuttal, confirming consistency in the airline’s position.
Air Peace’s International Expansion Strategy
Air Peace currently operates regional and intercontinental services, including routes to the Middle East and Europe, using wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. The airline has stated that South America is part of its long-term expansion strategy, subject to market demand and regulatory readiness.
Experts note that ultra-long-haul routes require sustained passenger volumes, competitive pricing, and regulatory certainty to be viable.
Why Aviation Route Announcements Are Often Misunderstood
In aviation reporting, confusion often arises between:
- Diplomatic agreements and operational approval
- Airline intent and ticketed services
- Route discussions and scheduled flights
Regulators such as Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority and Brazil’s ANAC must formally approve any new service before it becomes commercial.
What’s Next for the Air Peace Lagos–São Paulo Flight
Industry observers say the next concrete indicators would include:
- Activation of Nigeria–Brazil traffic rights
- Slot allocation at São Paulo Guarulhos Airport
- Regulatory clearance from both aviation authorities
- Published schedules in global booking systems
Until these steps occur, the Air Peace Lagos São Paulo flight remains a proposal rather than an active route.
Source
- Punch Nigeria: Air Peace dismisses fraud claims, says Lagos–São Paulo direct flight process ongoing
- ARISE News: Air Peace denies Sahara Reporters’ claims on Lagos–São Paulo route
- Prime Business Africa: Air Peace rejects SaharaReporters allegations on Brazil route
