Nigeria and Brazil have taken a major step toward renewed aviation links after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on direct flights during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil. The agreement — reported by multiple news outlets covering the visit — is intended to revive scheduled air services and boost trade, tourism and cultural ties across the South Atlantic.
Officials say the MoU is part of a broader package of deals between the two countries that also touch on agribusiness and livestock investment. The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) under discussion is expected to allow four to five weekly direct flights between major Nigerian and Brazilian cities, opening faster passenger and cargo channels and shortening long detours via other continents.
Nigeria’s aviation ministry and government advisers have indicated that Nigerian carriers — including Air Peace (and reports mention Caverton) — have been designated to operate the passenger services, while talks have referenced potential Brazilian carrier participation for cargo operations. The federal government has publicly confirmed approvals in recent weeks as negotiations moved toward formal signature.
Industry analysts and trade observers caution, however, that designation in an MoU does not immediately translate into scheduled flights. Carriers will still need final regulatory approvals from both countries’ aviation authorities, slot allocations at airports, and suitable long-haul aircraft to operate the transatlantic sectors. Observers say the timeline for actual commercial flights will therefore depend on those technical and operational steps.
If implemented, the route is expected to deliver economic benefits beyond passenger traffic — easing exports, encouraging tourism, and deepening business ties between West Africa and South America. Governments on both sides say they will follow up with technical working groups to harmonize safety, customs and commercial arrangements ahead of operations.
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