Air Peace To Launch Direct Lagos-Brazil Flights In November, Bolstering Nigeria’s Global Connectivity.
Air plainly, Nigeria’s leading airline, is set to make history by launching direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo, Brazil, starting in late November 2025, according to the airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema. The announcement follows the signing of a landmark Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brasília, a move hailed as a significant step in strengthening economic and cultural ties between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s biggest market.
Speaking to journalists in Brasília, Onyema described the agreement as a transformative milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector, crediting President Tinubu’s administration for facilitating the deal. “The Lagos-Brazil route is long overdue and brimming with opportunities,” he said, noting that the route will initially operate three weekly flights, serving both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro before returning to Lagos. He added that Air Peace plans to increase frequency as demand grows, aiming to make the route a cornerstone of Nigeria’s international aviation presence.
The BASA, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filhos, was overseen by Presidents Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Brazilian President Lula emphasized the deal’s potential to enhance diplomatic and economic relations, stating, “Direct flights operated by Air Peace will strengthen ties between our societies.” The agreement is expected to reduce travel time by approximately seven hours, eliminating the need for Nigerian travellers to endure lengthy multi-stop routes via Europe or the Middle East.
Onyema highlighted the strategic importance of the route, noting that Nigeria and Brazil, as the largest economies in their respective continents, share immense potential for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. “Both countries are rich in human and natural resources, and aviation is the catalyst to unlock this potential,” he said. The route is also seen as a boost for Nigeria’s significant diaspora in Brazil and Brazilian communities in Lagos, fostering deeper socio-cultural connections rooted in centuries of shared history.
To support the new route, Air Peace recently acquired a fourth Boeing 777-200ER, named “Chinonso Onyema,” configured for enhanced passenger comfort. This addition strengthens the airline’s capacity for long-haul routes, aligning with its vision to make international travel more affordable for Nigerians while challenging high fares charged by foreign carriers. The airline’s expansion follows successful launches to destinations like London, Jeddah, Dubai, and Mumbai, cementing its position as West Africa’s largest carrier.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from Nigerian officials, with Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, framing the BASA as a bridge to reconnect historical ties. “This is about more than trade; it’s about rebuilding cultural and social connections,” he said, referencing the 350-year history of transatlantic ties. President Tinubu echoed this optimism, expressing confidence that the flights will deepen economic activities and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
As Air Peace prepares to launch the Lagos-São Paulo route, the initiative is poised to enhance Nigeria’s global aviation profile, create jobs, and open new avenues for bilateral cooperation. With operations set to commence between late November and early December, Nigerians and Brazilians alike are eagerly anticipating a new era of seamless connectivity.
