Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema has hailed President Bola Tinubu for securing a historic Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil.
The deal, signed in Brasília, paves the way for direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, starting November 2025.
Onyema described the agreement as a game-changer for both countries and the aviation sector.
“Thousands of jobs are going to be created. Thousands of opportunities are going to be created between both countries,” he said.
“For the aviation industry, we must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking decisive steps that are truly advantageous for Nigeria and Nigerians. Brazil and Nigeria are the largest nations in their respective continents, and it has long been an aberration that there was no direct air connectivity between us until now.
“This agreement will unlock new opportunities, create thousands of jobs, and deepen cultural and economic ties. Air Peace is fully ready to play its part.
“We came here with a Boeing 777 aircraft to demonstrate our commitment and to show Mr. President that we are prepared to serve this route and strengthen the bridge between our two nations.”
Aviation as a Bridge Between Two Giants
Nigeria and Brazil are the largest economies in Africa and South America respectively.
Yet, until now, there was no direct air link between them.
“Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, Nigeria is the biggest economy, the biggest population in the whole of Africa,” Onyema said.
“It’s been an aberration that up to this moment, nobody has deemed it fit to talk about air connectivity between the two countries.”
He called the BASA a strategic move to unlock trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“This is one of those shotters, trying to create a Nigeria for the future,” he said.
Air Peace will begin with three weekly flights on the Lagos–Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo–Lagos route, with plans to expand as demand grows.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva personally endorsed Air Peace to operate the route, showing confidence in the airline’s capacity.
Air Peace Ready to Fly
Onyema confirmed that Air Peace is fully prepared to launch operations.
“We already came here with the triple seven to showcase our readiness to honor the request of Mr. President,” he said.
“Air Peace takes over these particular routes and make it happen.”
Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO, Air Peace, speaking on the sidelines of the BASA Agreement between Nigeria and Brazil:
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) August 27, 2025
“For the aviation industry, we must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking decisive steps that are truly advantageous for Nigeria and Nigerians. Brazil and… pic.twitter.com/o1E57Wdvtl
The airline’s entry into Latin America marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s aviation history.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said the BASA is part of broader efforts to “reconnect, rebuild, and invest” across diplomatic, economic, and cultural fronts.
The deal also includes plans for a symbolic midnight flight from Brazil to Abuja, cutting travel time by nearly seven hours.
The 30 Countries Nigeria Offers Direct Flights To
Nigeria has an extensive network of direct flights to 30 countries across four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The country’s aviation industry serves as a key hub in West Africa, with five international airports handling these services: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. Lagos and Abuja manage the bulk of intercontinental traffic.
Within Africa, Nigeria is connected to 20 countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, and Uganda. These connections facilitate regional trade and family visits.
In Asia, direct flights are available to Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, catering to business, labor migration, and religious travel. Nigeria also maintains direct links with France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in Europe, and the United States in North America.
The longest current non-stop route is Lagos–Atlanta, covering 5,835 miles in nearly 12 hours. With 38 airlines operating, including domestic and global carriers, Nigeria’s aviation network is set to expand further with the addition of Brazil to its direct flight list.
Here’s the list of 30 countries with direct flights from Nigeria:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- Niger
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Togo
- Turkey
- Uganda
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
A new route to Brazil is expected to begin in November, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional aviation hub.
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