Allen Onyema, Chairman of Nigerian indigenous carrier Air Peace, has raised alarm about an alleged collusion among foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route as he claimed that they are conspiring to drive Air Peace out of international operations by drastically reducing airfares on the route.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, Onyema revealed what he described as an “unspoken alliance” among foreign airlines.
He accused them of using lower pricing to force Air Peace out of the Nigeria-London route.
Onyema warned of dire consequences if Air Peace is prematurely removed from the route, emphasising that Nigeria would suffer significant losses and face heavy strain on its economy.
“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,” he said.
Recall that Air Peace had initiated direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London on March 30, 2024, in response to the lopsided Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anita, were among those onboard the inaugural Lagos-London flight, along with business leaders.
While many welcomed this development as encouraging local airlines to venture into international flights, Onyema highlighted challenges faced by Air Peace.
He cited difficulties with ground handling and space allocation at Gatwick Airport in recent days, describing it as a “devilish conspiracy” against his airline.
Onyema expressed frustration over foreign airlines undercutting prices, even advertising fares below cost.
He alleged that their governments support these tactics to eliminate Air Peace and monopolise the market, ultimately leading to increased costs for Nigerians.
Calling on other Nigerian airlines to join the Nigeria-UK route, Onyema urged them to challenge the monopoly enjoyed by foreign carriers operating into Nigeria’s major gateway airports.
He emphasised the need to confront the challenges of international aeropolitics, stressing that someone must bear the price.
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