Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, has raised concerns about a suspected conspiracy among foreign airlines operating on the Nigeria-UK route, accusing them of deliberately undercutting prices to drive Air Peace out of international operations.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Onyema highlighted an “unspoken alliance” among foreign carriers, alleging a coordinated effort to force Air Peace off the Nigeria-London route.
Onyema warned of dire consequences if Air Peace is prematurely ousted, emphasizing potential economic losses and increased strain on the naira. He cited recent challenges faced at Gatwick Airport, including groundhandling and space allocation difficulties.
“If they take out Air Peace prematurely, this country will pay dearly for it, 10 times over, billions will be lost, there will be another heavy strain on the naira. We are being deliberately frustrated in all ways,” he said, citing groundhandling and space allocation difficulties at Gatwick Airport in the last couple of days,” he said.
Describing the situation as a “devilish conspiracy,” Onyema criticized foreign airlines for pricing tickets below cost, suggesting governmental support aimed at eliminating Air Peace.
“It’s a very devilish conspiracy. All of a sudden, (foreign) airlines are underpricing, below the cost, it’s not up to one month, an airline was advertising $100, another one $305, $350. Fill up the entire aircraft and carry people on the wings, it’s not even enough to buy your fuel. So, why are they doing that? Their governments are supporting them because Nigeria has been a cashcow for everybody.
“Their governments are supporting them to do this and take Air Peace out. The idea is to take Air Peace out and the moment they succeed in taking Air Peace out, Nigerians will pay 20 times over again,” Onyema added.
He called on other Nigerian airlines to enter the Nigeria-UK market to break the monopoly of foreign carriers, inviting them to join international operations despite the complexities of aeropolitics.
Onyema expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister Keyamo for their support amid the airline’s London operations.
Air Peace’s recent launch of direct flights to Gatwick Airport received praise from industry observers, fostering a push for more local airlines to enter international markets, fostering competition and expanding opportunities in the aviation sector.
The entry of Air Peace has led to a significant reduction in ticket prices on the Lagos-London route, compelling foreign carriers to adjust fares to remain competitive.
