Nigerian airline Air Peace has commenced direct commercial flights linking Lagos, Nigeria, and São Paulo, Brazil, marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Africa and South America. This development follows the signing of a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil.
The BASA was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of Presidents Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This agreement paves the way for direct flights, which are expected to enhance trade, tourism, investments, and people-to-people ties between the two largest economies in their respective continents.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has been designated to operate the Lagos–São Paulo route, with plans to also connect Lagos to Rio de Janeiro. The inaugural flight was part of a high-profile event attended by Nigerian government officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and representatives from Brazil.
The direct flight reduces travel time by approximately seven hours compared to previous routes via Europe or the Middle East, fostering closer cultural, social, and economic relations. The agreement is viewed as a catalyst for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors, including aviation, agriculture, infrastructure development, and innovation.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema described the new flight route as a critical step toward unlocking economic potential and deepening collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil.