Air Peace to Refund Stranded Lagos–Jamaica Passengers Following NCAA Intervention

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced that Air Peace has agreed to refund passengers affected by the Lagos–Jamaica travel disruption that left several stranded and deported from Barbados.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, explained that the issue began during passenger profiling at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where some travelers lacked the required documents for the Lagos–Antigua–Jamaica flight. While 67 passengers were allowed entry into Jamaica, 25 were stopped by immigration for lacking onward tickets, proof of funds, or valid accommodation details.

Air Peace offered refunds initially, but passengers opted to travel to Barbados, a visa-free destination, before returning to Nigeria. Achimugu said the NCAA mediated the dispute, and the airline agreed to issue refunds as a goodwill gesture, while regulatory review and potential sanctions remain ongoing.

The resolution aims to protect the aviation industry’s reputation while ensuring passengers’ rights are upheld.

Air Peace CEO Warns New Tax Law Could Push Nigerian Domestic Flight Fares to ₦1 Million

Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema has raised alarms over Nigeria’s new tax provisions, warning they could push domestic flight fares beyond ₦1 million and threaten airline operations. Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Onyema explained that cumulative levies—including VAT on aircraft and spare parts, and NCAA charges—are straining airlines’ finances, with only a fraction of ticket revenue reaching operators. He called for urgent government intervention to prevent sector collapse, stressing that implementing the new tax framework could force airlines to pass high costs to passengers, potentially crippling Nigeria’s aviation industry and impacting the wider economy.

The government has absolutely no power to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation industry.”

~ Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation says

Government cannot regulate airfare prices for private enterprises,” Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo says as domestic airfares climb to ₦1 million

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, has stated that the government has no authority to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation sector. Speaking on Arise TV, Keyamo said, “The government has absolutely no power to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation industry.”

He explained that the recent hike in airfare ticket prices is beyond government control because the aviation industry has been fully deregulated. Keyamo emphasized that with deregulation, airlines now independently set their fares, and the government cannot interfere in pricing decisions.

He urged the public to understand that ticket costs are determined by market forces and operational considerations within the aviation industry. In conclusion, the Minister reiterated that while the government can support the sector through policies and infrastructure, it has no mandate to control ticket prices, leaving fare adjustments at the discretion of airline operators.

Air Peace CEO Warns New 2026 Tax Law Will Cripple Nigerian Airline

Air Peace Chairman and AON leader, Allen Onyema, has warned that the proposed tax law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, will devastate Nigeria’s aviation industry if implemented. Speaking at the 100 years of Aviation celebration in Abuja, Onyema said the sector—already struggling—would “crumble” under the new tax regime and urged the National Assembly and President Tinubu to intervene.
He praised the current administration’s support for the aviation sector but stressed that multiple taxes remain a major burden on airlines. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also honoured industry veterans at the event, acknowledging past contributions and pledging continued reforms.

"FG Set to Ban Foreign Airlines from Selling Tickets in Dollars" — NANTA President.

The Federal Government is set to put an end to the sale of airline tickets in foreign currency by international carriers, according to Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).

Speaking during a cultural and tourism programme in Lagos over the weekend, Folami described the practice of cross-border foreign currency trading as “a crime against the economy.”

“Those of us in the aviation sector know that until Nigeria has a strong national carrier to fill the gap, these issues will continue. I am pleased to inform Nigerians that the government is actively addressing the sale of tickets in foreign currency, and this is the latest update,” he said.

He emphasized that foreign airlines selling tickets in dollars violates regulations and adds pressure on the naira and the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Folami noted that the government is responding to concerns raised by travel agencies over this persistent challenge.

The NANTA president further stated that there is no longer any justification for selling tickets in foreign currency in Nigeria, calling the practice outdated and predicting that it will soon be phased out from the country’s aviation industry.

He also highlighted the importance of a strong domestic airline, urging Nigerians to support Air Peace. “The airline has taken bold steps by launching London routes from Lagos and Abuja. It is both a patriotic duty and a responsibility for Nigerians to support and pray for the airline’s continued success and sustainability,” Folami added.