Air Peace Refutes Deception Claims Over Proposed Lagos–São Paulo Flight, Insists No Tickets Sold or Passengers Stranded
Air Peace has dismissed allegations by SaharaReporters that it misled Nigerians over the proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct flight, describing the report as inaccurate, sensational and a distortion of established aviation practice.
In a firm response issued by its management, the airline said the publication falsely suggested that Nigerians were deceived and left stranded following announcements around the proposed route.
Air Peace maintained that the claims were based on unnamed and unverifiable sources and ignored the distinction between diplomatic agreements and commercial airline operations.
According to the airline, the controversy stemmed from a misinterpretation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Brazil.
Air Peace stressed that an MoU is not equivalent to the launch of an air service, but a statement of intent by governments to enhance bilateral cooperation. It explained that such agreements do not involve ticket sales, published flight schedules or guaranteed start dates, and should not be presented to the public as evidence of an operational route.
The airline categorically denied claims that Nigerians were stranded, noting that no booking platform was opened and no tickets were sold for the Lagos–São Paulo route.
It said it was therefore impossible for passengers to have been abandoned, arguing that expectations created without any official announcement or commercial activity could not be blamed on Air Peace.
Highlighting the complexity of international long-haul operations, Air Peace said the commencement of such routes requires extensive regulatory, technical and commercial approvals.
These include the implementation of Bilateral Air Services Agreement frameworks, authorisation from Brazil’s civil aviation authority, airport slot allocations in São Paulo, safety and insurance clearances, ETOPS certification and careful aircraft deployment planning.
The airline emphasised that these processes are mandatory and cannot be rushed by publicity or political declarations.
On the issue of aircraft availability, Air Peace stated that it has the capacity to operate the route once all approvals are secured. The airline operates four Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft, two of which currently serve its London Heathrow and London Gatwick routes, while the remaining two are reserved for future long-haul operations, including São Paulo.
It added that announcing ticket sales or launching flights without meeting all regulatory requirements would be irresponsible.
Air Peace also rejected claims that it had made any binding commitment to a specific commencement date, stressing that expressions of optimism should not be misconstrued as guarantees.
The airline noted that the development of international routes typically takes years, citing its London services, which reportedly took about seven years from planning to execution.
Responding to criticism over the cost of international travel, Air Peace said it does not determine global airfare pricing or control foreign airlines. It maintained that the existence of an MoU alone cannot automatically lead to cheaper fares or immediate connectivity.
The airline further alleged that the SaharaReporters publication was part of a coordinated attempt to undermine Air Peace and the Federal Government, sponsored by vested interests seeking to discredit a Nigerian carrier.
It said its status as the only airline in Nigeria and the West African sub-region with the capacity to operate transoceanic flights using its own wide-body fleet had made it a target of sustained smear campaigns.
Air Peace disclosed that it commenced engagements toward the Lagos–São Paulo route as far back as last year, working with relevant Nigerian authorities, the Brazilian government and other stakeholders to bring the operation to fruition. It reiterated that all processes must be fully concluded before any flights can begin, adding that aviation safety remains paramount.
Condemning what it described as attempts to manipulate public opinion through falsehoods, the airline said it was unacceptable to undermine a Nigerian business through misleading reports in pursuit of competitive advantage.
It accused the publication of turning diplomacy into alleged fraud, portraying due process as passenger stranding and substituting verifiable facts with anonymous claims.
Reaffirming its position, Air Peace stressed that no scam occurred, no tickets were sold and no Nigerian was stranded, reiterating that an MoU is not a boarding pass.
The airline assured the public that when all regulatory and commercial conditions are met, the Lagos–São Paulo route will be formally announced in line with international aviation standards.
Air Peace concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on verified facts rather than sensational headlines, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, professionalism and safe operations.
