Air Peace replies Sirika on claim of losing $19m from leased aircraft

lack of capacity”.

She said the airline commenced operations into the UAE in July, 2019, but in October 2022, the UAE government announced a total visa ban on Nigerians,” she said.

“Neither Emirates nor Air Peace is operating the Nigerian/ UAE route since the ban. The persisting non-issuance of visas and the accompanying inconveniences necessitated the suspension of our Dubai operations from November 22, 2022, till date.

“For the former minister to ascribe the suspension to ‘lack of capacity’ is not only shocking but also shows how keen he is to disparage an airline which (sic) ascendancy has defied all the commercial odds and hostile environment placed on its path to continue to serve our nation proudly.

“How could an airline that placed a firm order for 13 brand new E2-195 aircraft, a firm order of 15 Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 10, with over 30 aircraft already in its existing fleet be accused of lacking in capacity?

“How can an airline that stood up for the entire nation during the Covid-19 outbreak, and embarked on rescue operations worldwide, evacuating Nigerians from faraway China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, UK, and South Africa during the Covid-19 lockdowns be accused of lacking in capacity?

“We implore the general public to disregard these lies told by the former minister of aviation against Air Peace during the Arise TV Interview.”