By Charles Pemu 
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has provided a robust defense of the current pricing structures within Nigeria’s aviation sector, contending that Nigerian travelers are currently enjoying the most affordable domestic airfares in the world. Speaking during a recent industry engagement, the aviation chief addressed the recurring public discourse regarding ticket costs, urging a comparative analysis with international benchmarks to provide necessary context to the economic realities of airline operations.
Onyema emphasized that despite the significant inflationary pressures and the high cost of maintaining aircraft in accordance with global safety standards, the actual dollar equivalent of Nigerian flight tickets remains remarkably low. He pointed out that while a one-hour domestic flight in many developed economies often exceeds two hundred dollars, the Nigerian equivalent frequently sits well below that threshold when converted at prevailing market rates. This disparity, he argued, places a heavy burden on domestic carriers who must source spare parts, insurance, and technical training in foreign currency.
The Air Peace principal highlighted that the “cheapest fares” narrative is not merely a marketing claim but a reflection of the intense competition and the determination of local airlines to remain accessible to the Nigerian populace. However, he cautioned that for the industry to remain sustainable and ensure the continued safety of the flying public, there must be a collective understanding of the rising operational costs, including the price of aviation fuel (Jet A1) and airport charges, which directly impact the bottom line of indigenous carriers.
Further addressing the operational environment, Onyema called for continued government support in streamlining the Ease of Doing Business within the aviation sub-sector. He noted that while Nigerian airlines are proving their resilience by expanding into regional and international routes, the domestic base remains the backbone of their operations. By maintaining competitive pricing, airlines are effectively subsidizing national connectivity, a feat he believes should be recognized as a significant contribution to the Nigerian economy.
As the debate over aviation pricing continues, Onyema’s perspective serves as a call for a more nuanced understanding of the intersection between currency fluctuations and transport logistics. He reaffirmed the commitment of Air Peace to provide safe and reliable service, maintaining that the airline’s goal is to keep Nigeria flying despite the volatile global economic climate.