Air Peace Cuts London Ticket Prices to $3,000 Thanks to Tinubu’s Support – Onyema

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended by Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, for giving the policy backing that enabled the airline’s historic Abuja–London Heathrow trip.

He said that foreign airfares were reduced from up to $13,000 to roughly $3,000 thanks to the president’s intervention.

In an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Onyema called the achievement a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry and evidence of what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together effectively.

“I would want to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for accomplishing this. This is an illustration of how the government can facilitate the growth of the private sector.

“The private sector is essential to the development of any nation because it embodies and carries out the government’s goals and objectives.”

“President Tinubu made the right decision for this nation.” Foreign airlines were compelled by his action to dramatically lower their ticket costs. From Abuja to Heathrow, the cost has dropped from $13,000 to $3,000, according to Onyema.

His remarks followed the launch of a direct route from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to London Heathrow Airport by Air Peace Limited on Sunday.

“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,” the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stated in a statement issued through his assistant.

The trip has “saved Nigerians money and made flying affordable again,” according to Onyema. The arrival of competition made even the Brits on our flights delighted.

The head of Air Peace disclosed that the airline currently runs 14 weekly flights between Nigeria and the UK, including routes from Abuja to London Heathrow and Lagos to London Gatwick. This is a first for any Nigerian airline.

He claimed that foreign airlines were compelled to reassess their prices as a result of entering the lucrative UK route, which was advantageous to all travelers.

The Lagos–London Gatwick and Abuja–London Heathrow routes will be operated concurrently by a Nigerian airline for the first time.

It has made the corridor accessible to all of the world, not just Europe. With our reasonable tickets, many of our passengers are traveling to America, Canada, and Asia via London, saving a significant amount of money.

“You can now fly other airlines at reduced fares even if you don’t fly Air Peace,” he continued.

“At least Nigerians now have a choice, even though Air Peace cannot fly everyone,” he stated.

Onyema gave Keyamo credit for spearheading the president’s aviation strategy, pointing out that after more than 15 years of restrictions, Nigerian airlines now have access to international leasing choices under Tinubu’s government.

“I can’t stop commending Festus Keyamo.” He is fully carrying out the President’s vision and mandate. Nigerian airlines will now offer leasing alternatives for the first time.

“The industry was blacklisted for more than 15 years, but this administration changed everything.” The Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which permits large leasing firms to enter Nigeria, was signed by them.

“Nigerian aviation has been revitalized by the government,” he declared.

Additionally, Onyema praised the government’s decision to remove the 4% FOB tax on imported aviation parts, claiming that such accommodating measures had increased investor confidence.

“We only want supporting policies, not financial assistance. The president promptly eliminated the charge when we voiced our concerns. A government that listens does just that.

However, Onyema issued a warning against bureaucratic animosity toward local businesses.

“A pull-him-down syndrome still affects certain people. Destroying a business like Air Peace, which employs more than 10,000 Nigerians, is bad for the country. Insecurity increases when people are unemployed.

He reiterated Air Peace’s dedication to promoting Nigeria internationally, emphasizing that the nation, not only the airline’s founder, is responsible for its success.

“Air Peace is about Nigeria, not Allen Onyema.” “Every time we fly our flag in London, we demonstrate what Nigerians can accomplish when the public and private sectors collaborate,” he continued.

According to reports, Kayemo stated in June 2025 that the historic flight is the result of the Federal Government’s persistent diplomatic efforts to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.

The breakthrough, according to the minister, was the outcome of a letter sent by the ministry to Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, on August 1, 2024.