As expected, Air Peace’s entry into the lucrative Lagos-London route has sparked a price war, ground operations politics, and an international media attack aimed at removing the Nigerian airline from the route.
Since March 30, 2024, Air Peace has offered more affordable prices, triggering a price war led by foreign airlines attempting to push it out of the market.
Nigerian carriers like Arik, Medview, and Bellview previously attempted the London route but were met with frustration and eventually closed operations.
In a coordinated plan, foreign airlines have launched a price war, ground operations frustration, and now a media attack, labeling Air Peace CEO a fugitive.
The Daily Mail launched the first media attack, claiming he allegedly transported Prince Harry and Meghan during their recent visit to Nigeria.
British media have been portraying their visit negatively, but Nigerians on social media are defending their country and the royal visit with patriotism.
Air Peace started direct flights from Lagos to London on March 30, offering round-trip economy tickets at N1.2 million, significantly lower than previous prices charged by foreign airlines.
Before Air Peace joined the route, foreign airlines reduced their prices, but Adeyileka warned, “They want to wage war and drive it out. If they succeed, within 48 hours, the airlines will more than double the prices.”
Onyema maintained his innocence, saying, “I never laundered money in my life, neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world.”
“Every Kobo I transferred to the US for aircraft purchase went through the Central Bank of Nigeria LC regime and all were used for the same purpose.”
