Air Peace Restores Direct Lagos–São Paulo Flights, Pioneering New Africa–South America Links

In a landmark moment for African aviation, Air Peace has officially reestablished direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, marking the first non-stop flight between West Africa and South America in nearly a decade. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, an Air Peace aircraft touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, following a swift journey from São Paulo. This event not only signaled the resumption of a crucial route but also underscored a broader ambition to strengthen economic, cultural, and social ties between Africa and Latin America.

The arrival of Air Peace’s inaugural São Paulo–Lagos flight is a direct outcome of the newly signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil. This agreement, finalized during President Bola Tinubu’s recent diplomatic visit to Brazil, is being widely celebrated as a pivotal move to rekindle trade, investment, and people-to-people exchange. For African travel industry professionals, this development represents a significant step towards expanding the continent’s international reach and opening new avenues for business and leisure travel.

The importance of this route extends far beyond convenience. For years, travelers between Nigeria and Brazil endured arduous journeys lasting up to 40 hours, often routing through Europe, the Middle East, or Southern Africa. The absence of a direct connection stifled trade and limited opportunities for collaboration, with bilateral trade volume plummeting from a robust \$10 billion to just \$2 billion. Now, with a direct, seven-hour flight, the dynamic between the two markets is poised to shift dramatically, unlocking possibilities that have long been out of reach for African and Brazilian businesses alike.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the wider regional significance of the new route. “This is not just about Nigeria; it is about the entire sub-region. From São Paulo, connections radiate across South America and the Caribbean. Lagos is now a vital hub, linking West and Central Africa to new markets and opportunities,” he stated. The sentiment was echoed by Muhammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, who highlighted the cultural and historical resonance of the renewed air link. “This connection is not only economic; it is cultural, social, and symbolic. It embodies a vision for Nigeria that prioritizes mutually beneficial partnerships and places our people at the center of global engagement,” Idris noted, praising the government’s diplomatic efforts.

At the core of this achievement is Air Peace’s ambition to redefine African connectivity. Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, described the launch as both overdue and transformative. “Without connectivity, progress is impossible. By reducing travel time from days to hours, we are unlocking opportunities for our youth and building a foundation for Nigeria—and Africa—to interact with the world as equals,” Onyema remarked. He credited President Tinubu’s foreign policy for forging partnerships that respect African sovereignty and deliver real value, setting the stage for a new era of African aviation leadership.

Air Peace has announced an initial schedule of three weekly flights between Lagos and São Paulo, with plans to increase frequency in line with demand. This flexibility reflects a broader strategic vision: to position Lagos as a central hub for connections between Africa, South America, and beyond. For the continent’s travel sector, this opens up a spectrum of possibilities, from streamlined business travel to enhanced tourism promotion and academic exchange. The route is expected to stimulate interest from African traders seeking access to Brazilian markets, students pursuing education opportunities, and families eager for greater ease of travel.

The timing of this development is especially significant as regional carriers across Africa pursue strategies to diversify their networks and tap into underserved international markets. By offering a direct link to Brazil, Air Peace is setting a powerful precedent for how African airlines can drive growth, foster new partnerships, and enhance the continent’s global profile. The move also aligns with the African Union’s broader goal of deepening intra- and intercontinental connectivity, supporting the vision of a truly integrated African aviation industry.

Cultural reconnection is another key dimension of the new route. With Brazil home to the largest Black population outside Africa, historical and social ties run deep. The direct bridge between Lagos and São Paulo promises to facilitate a vibrant exchange of ideas, art, and heritage, strengthening the bonds that unite Africa and its diaspora. For event organizers, tour operators, and hospitality leaders in sub-Saharan Africa, this represents a unique opportunity to develop new products and itineraries that celebrate shared heritage and attract diverse visitor segments.

For African travel professionals, the Lagos–São Paulo route is more than an airline milestone—it is a business opportunity and a sign of evolving market dynamics. The convenience and cost savings offered by direct flights are expected to spark renewed interest in two-way tourism, stimulate demand for African products in Brazil, and encourage South American travelers to explore African destinations. The route’s success could inspire other African carriers to pursue similar connections, particularly as the continent’s aviation sector continues to recover and expand following the disruptions of recent years.

As passengers disembarked in Lagos, the sense of optimism was palpable. The Atlantic, long seen as a barrier, is now a bridge—enabling trade, tourism, and cultural exchange on a scale previously unimaginable. Each flight is a step toward a future where Africa is more closely knit into the global fabric, and where its airlines play a central role in shaping international travel trends.

The restoration of direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and strategic investment. For Africa’s travel sector, it is a call to action: to embrace innovation, pursue new partnerships, and ensure that the continent’s connectivity keeps pace with its ambition. As Air Peace readies to scale up operations, the prospects for deeper commercial, cultural, and social ties between Africa and Latin America have never been brighter.