Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace, has received official approval to operate direct passenger flights between Lagos and São Paulo, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria–Brazil relations and West Africa’s aviation history.
The announcement follows the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries on Monday in Brasília, Brazil’s capital. The deal was witnessed by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filhos.
First-Ever Nigerian Airline to Connect Africa and South America
This development makes Air Peace the first Nigerian airline to establish a direct route between Nigeria and Brazil, and by extension, between West Africa and South America. The airline is expected to commence operations by late November 2025, with three weekly flights initially planned.
Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, confirmed the news to journalists in Brasília on Tuesday, describing the Lagos–São Paulo route as “long overdue.”
“This is a historic moment not only for Air Peace but for the entire Nigerian aviation sector. The Lagos–São Paulo route has been a strategic goal, and we are excited to bring it to life,” Onyema said.
A Diplomatic and Economic Milestone
The establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and Brazil is the result of more than a year of diplomatic engagement. The idea was first discussed in February 2024 during a meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Lula da Silva at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
In a follow-up meeting with Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Jose Areias, in August 2024, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a direct flight corridor, citing the absence of such a link as a longstanding barrier to bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the latest development, highlighting it as part of the administration’s broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s global connectivity and economic integration.
Opening New Frontiers for Trade and Connectivity
Beyond air travel convenience, the Lagos–São Paulo route is expected to serve as a critical economic bridge between Africa’s and Latin America’s largest economies. The BASA deal is projected to stimulate:
- Increased bilateral trade
- Tourism and cultural exchange
- New investment opportunities
- Enhanced movement of people, goods, and services
Analysts view the agreement as a landmark achievement, particularly given Nigeria’s recent push to strengthen ties with emerging markets across the Global South.
Air Peace Expands Its Global Reach
The Lagos–São Paulo route adds to Air Peace’s growing list of international destinations, coming shortly after the airline secured approval for direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, scheduled to begin in October 2025.
This expansion positions Air Peace as a key player in the effort to diversify Nigeria’s aviation market, traditionally dominated by foreign carriers.
Looking Ahead
Air Peace says it plans to adjust the frequency of flights to São Paulo based on demand and operational performance. Preparations for the inaugural flight are underway, with full scheduling and ticket availability expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The route’s launch will not only improve travel options between Africa and South America but also enhance Nigeria’s strategic positioning as a hub for transatlantic aviation.
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