‘Devilish Conspiracy’: Air Peace Chairman Slams Foreign Airlines Over Price Slash

‘Devilish Conspiracy’: Air Peace Chairman Slams Foreign Airlines Over Price Slash

Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Nigerian carrier Air Peace, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a concerted effort by foreign airlines operating the Nigeria-UK route to push Air Peace out of international operations by drastically reducing airfares on the route……READ ALSO Rivers Political Turmoil: APC Chairman Okocha Dubs Governor Fubara’s Potential Move ‘Job-Saving Tactic

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Onyema alleged the existence of an “unspoken alliance” among foreign carriers to drive Air Peace out of the Nigeria-London route using aggressive price undercutting tactics.

He warned of severe repercussions if Air Peace is prematurely ousted from international operations, emphasizing potential economic losses and increased strain on the naira.

The commencement of Air Peace’s direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London on March 30, 2024, was seen as a significant step toward rebalancing the lopsided Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

However, Onyema noted challenges faced by Air Peace at Gatwick Airport, including difficulties with ground handling and space allocation, which he attributed to deliberate frustration tactics.

He criticized foreign airlines for engaging in what he termed a “devilish conspiracy,” citing instances where fares were slashed drastically, even below operational costs, within a month of Air Peace’s entry into the route.

Onyema urged other Nigerian airlines to join the Nigeria-UK route to challenge the monopoly enjoyed by foreign carriers, emphasizing the importance of breaking the dominance of foreign airlines operating into major Nigerian airports.

He called on Nigerian carriers to brace themselves for the challenges of international aeropolitics, stressing the need for solidarity among domestic airlines to withstand external pressures.

The Air Peace chairman’s comments underscore the intense competition and complex dynamics within the aviation industry, particularly regarding routes between Nigeria and key international destinations.

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