Nigeria and Brazil have signed a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to establish direct flights between both nations. The deal was finalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil, alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Aviation ministers from both countries hailed it as a milestone that will strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties.
Under the agreement, Air Peace will operate the Lagos–São Paulo route with three weekly flights starting in November 2025, with room for expansion as demand grows. Brazilian carrier LATAM is also expected to participate in cargo services.
Efforts to secure direct flights began years ago, with negotiations intensifying in 2024 and 2025. The new route is expected to cut travel times, lower logistics costs, and unlock economic opportunities between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s powerhouse. The deal also includes plans for aviation infrastructure, such as an Embraer service center in Nigeria, as well as renewed energy cooperation through Brazil’s Petrobras.
This agreement marks a turning point in Nigeria–Brazil relations, creating a direct air bridge that will boost connectivity, commerce, and diplomatic engagement between the two continents.
