Air Peace has ignited a price war on the Lagos-London route, slashing ticket prices and making travel significantly cheaper for Nigerians. This has left many, questioning the practices of previous airlines.

Air Peace Shakes Things Up:

Air Peace crashed the economy class tickets to a staggering N1.2 million naira (round trip), a fraction of the previous average of N6 million naira. Business class has also seen a dramatic drop, from N17 million naira to N4 million naira (round trip). This is a game changer for Nigerian travellers, opening up London to a wider audience.

Legacy Carriers Fight Back:

Foreign airlines and competitors on the route, have reacted to Air Peace's aggressive pricing. This could lead to a price war, ultimately benefiting Nigerian consumers with even lower fares.
Feeling the heat, foreign airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Ethiopian Airlines slashed their fares drastically, some even going below Air Peace's initial offerings. This intense competition benefits travellers with cheaper options.

A Call for National Support:

Amidst the excitement of these groundbreaking developments, sentiments of patriotism and solidarity with indigenous businesses echo loudly. The stark comparison between past pricing by foreign airlines and Air Peace's newfound affordability prompts reflection on the importance of supporting local enterprises.

Also, many Nigerians expressed both astonishment and frustration at the exploitative pricing tactics employed by foreign airlines. The sentiment underscores a growing desire among Nigerians to rally behind their own, eschewing profit-driven foreign entities in favor of homegrown ventures like Air Peace.

Beyond the Price Tag:

While affordability is important, remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Consider factors like airline safety records, in-flight amenities, and cabin comfort when making your choice.

Supporting Nigerian Businesses:

The sentiment of supporting homegrown businesses like Air Peace is understandable. However, competition is crucial for a healthy market. Air Peace must not only offer competitive prices but also maintain high standards to truly succeed in the long run.

The Customer is King:

Ultimately, the power lies with the consumer. This price war puts you, the traveller, in control. Choose the airline that best suits your needs and budget, whether it's Air Peace or Ethiopian Airlines (or another carrier altogether).

Foreign Airlines Revenue Trapped

The exorbitant fares imposed by foreign carriers reached a climax due to the significant amount, over $800 million, of their revenue trapped in Nigeria. Consequently, these carriers withdrew their lower-priced inventory, leaving Nigerian travelers grappling with higher fares.

As a result, airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines substantially increased their fares on various routes, burdening Nigerian travelers with significantly higher costs. This trend was observed across several foreign carriers operating in Nigeria, including British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, KLM/Air France, Air Maroc, and Ethiopian Airlines.

The spike in fares placed immense financial strain on Nigerian travelers, forcing some to suspend international trips and prompting others, such as students, to seek alternatives in neighboring countries where lower fares were available.

Despite the Nigerian government's efforts to alleviate the situation by releasing a substantial portion of the trapped funds, the exorbitant fares persisted, with a remaining outstanding amount of approximately $29 million.

However, relief came with the introduction of Air Peace flights to London, offering cheaper and more affordable fares for Nigerians. This move prompted foreign carriers to engage in price wars to retain their Nigerian passengers, slashing fares drastically in an attempt to compete with Air Peace.

This price war is a positive development for Nigerian travellers, offering more affordable options and potentially raising the bar for service across the board. Remember to prioritize both price and quality when making your travel decision.