Aviation
Air Peace Firmly Denies Deception Over Lagos–São Paulo Flight
Air Peace Lagos São Paulo flight remains in process as airline rejects claims of deception and explains regulatory requirements
Nigerian airline Air Peace has rejected allegations that it colluded with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deceive Nigerians over a proposed direct Lagos–São Paulo route, insisting that preparations for the flight remain ongoing and legitimate.
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The airline made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, describing reports labelling the planned route a scam as misleading and based on a misunderstanding of international aviation procedures.
Air Peace said the reports failed to recognise that the August 2025 Memorandum of Understanding signed in Brasília was not a flight launch but a diplomatic framework witnessed by the presidents of Nigeria and Brazil to activate cooperation under existing air service agreements.
“At no time did Air Peace or the Federal Government of Nigeria defraud Nigerians in Brazil or elsewhere regarding the Lagos–São Paulo route,” the statement said, stressing that an MoU does not translate into immediate flight operations.
The airline explained that international long-haul routes require extensive regulatory and operational approvals, including authorisation under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, clearance from Brazil’s civil aviation authority, airport slot allocations, safety and insurance certifications, ETOPS approval, and route-economics planning.
Responding to claims that Nigerians were stranded, Air Peace said no tickets were sold, no booking platform was opened, and no flight date was announced for the route.
It described the controversy as arising from “self-imposed expectation, not deception.”
On fleet capacity, the airline said it has four Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft capable of operating the route.
Two aircraft are currently deployed on its London Heathrow and Gatwick services, while the remaining two are available for other long-haul destinations once approvals are completed.
Air Peace also dismissed claims that it influenced high international airfares, stating that it does not control foreign carriers or global pricing systems.
It added that the launch of its London service took nearly seven years from conception to execution, underscoring the complexity of international aviation operations.
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Describing the allegations as malicious, the airline said it viewed the report as an attempt to undermine a Nigerian business through media manipulation, warning against pressure tactics driven by vested interests.
The Gusau International Airport (GIA) in Zamfara state has passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) quality assurance tests and inspections ahead of the commencement of commercial operations next month.
The development comes as the airport prepares to begin scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement by the state government on Tuesday, XEJet Limited is expected to operate bi-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from the first week of October.
An official of a leading Nigerian aviation agency said the airport’s instrument flight procedures had undergone ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process, with GIA completing and passing all the stages.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the process was part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement corrective measures recommended by ICAO.
ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards and promoting the safe and orderly development of international air transport.
Nigeria’s civil aviation system recorded an effective implementation (EI) score of 75 percent after an ICAO audit in 2023.
The official said ICAO conducted a follow-up inspection, known as the ICAO coordinated validation mission (ICVM), in April 2026, during which Nigeria had a significant safety concern (SSC).
He said the concern was resolved within the prescribed 40-day period, although Nigeria was required to implement associated medium-term corrective action plans.
As part of the corrective measures, the instrument flight procedures at several Nigerian airports were subjected to ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process.
“Of all the airports assessed, only Gusau International Airport (GIA) completed and passed all the 17 steps,” the senior aviation official said.
“The evidence of GIA’s successful completion of this demanding process formed part of the documentation submitted to ICAO.
“Following the ICVM, Nigeria achieved an impressive EI score of 95.1%.”
On September 21, the Zamfara government signed an air route development partnership agreement with XEJet for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and Abuja.
The agreement is expected to enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.
Gusau International Airport internet deployment begins ahead of October 1 commercial operations, with free connectivity planned for passengers and staff
The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday marked an important step towards improving connectivity and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic growth in Zamfara State.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The statement added that the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed on behalf of the State Government.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the partnership aligns with the state government’s strategic goal of enhancing transportation infrastructure.
He said, “The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years.”
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy.”
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara.”
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment.”
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