Nigerian travellers rejoice! The launch of direct Lagos-London flights by local carrier Air Peace has sparked a price war, with foreign airlines scrambling to compete.
Travel and tourism expert Bankole Bernard, formerly president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), explained the situation. Before Air Peace entered the scene, tickets on the Lagos-London route were a staggering N3.5 million. However, Air Peace’s return economy class tickets are priced at a much more affordable N1.2 million.
This competitive pressure has forced foreign airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways to significantly reduce their fares.
Bernard questioned the practices of these foreign airlines, who previously enjoyed a monopoly on the route. “They were operating in Nigeria’s major airports – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano – without much competition and making significant profits,” he said.
He further pointed out the convenient timing of the price cuts. “There’s been a surge in demand for the London route lately, with Dubai being less accessible,” Bernard explained. “Many airlines based their prices on this high demand.”
Air Peace’s direct flights have disrupted this dynamic. “Now, with a new player offering a shorter travel time, they’re being forced to adjust or risk losing customers,” Bernard said.
This development comes after Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight to London Gatwick Airport last Saturday. The flight, a response to an uneven Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK, included prominent passengers like Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and Trade and Investment Minister Doris Uzoka-Anita, alongside business delegates.
Industry experts are applauding Air Peace’s move and urging other local airlines to follow suit on lucrative international routes. This price war is a win for Nigerian travelers, offering them more options and lower fares.
