Battle for the Boarding Pass: Air Peace vs. Ibom Air on Key Nigerian Routes

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“Fasten your seatbelts; we may experience some turbulence.”

Not from the weather, but from choosing a domestic airline in Nigeria.

In 2024, over 11.5 million Nigerians flew within the country, down from 15.8 million in 2023. The drop wasn’t surprising because the price of tickets reached as much as ₦124,693 on average for a one-way trip back then. Now it’s around ₦286,000.

Fuel prices are eating airlines alive, and FX rates fluctuate like Twitter opinions. Still, Air Peace and Ibom Air have managed to hold more than 38% of this market between them.

And while Lagos and Abuja top aircraft movement, 62% of it, to be exact, what matters more is not who’s flying where, but who’s flying well.

So today, we ask: Between Air Peace and Ibom Air, who truly gives value, consistency, and peace of mind to the local Nigerian traveller?

Route Coverage and Frequency

When it comes to reach, Air Peace has it. Established in 2013, it flies to over 20 domestic destinations and operates high-frequency flights on major routes like Lagos–Abuja, Lagos–Enugu, and Port Harcourt–Owerri. It also connects hard-to-reach airports, sometimes being the only option available.

Ibom Air, meanwhile, keeps it tight. Since launching in 2019, it has steadily focused on six major cities, Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. While its reach is minimal, its reliability within these hubs is what earns it loyal passengers.

Verdict: Air Peace wins on reach. Ibom Air wins on reliability in core routes.

Punctuality and Operational Efficiency

This is where the wings begin to split.

Ibom Air is almost synonymous with punctuality in Nigerian aviation. Passengers repeatedly commend it for departing and arriving on time, even under difficult conditions. Flights are predictable, landings are smooth, and operations are tight, even if announcements are sometimes skipped due to faulty PA systems.

In contrast, Air Peace suffers from chronic delays, unexplained cancellations, and mechanical failures. From customers stuck for hours with no communication to aircraft that fail to start, the stories are frustrating and, frankly, dangerous.

One review reads: “Three-hour delay, changed three flights, first two engines didn’t start. Staff were rude.” Another said: “Air Peace is air-dangerous.”

Verdict: On punctuality and predictability, Ibom Air crushes Air Peace.

Customer Service and Passenger Experience

Ibom Air’s cabin crew are described as warm, cheerful, and professional. One passenger wrote about being “in good hands” from check-in to disembarkation. The attention to detail, from clean windows to soothing classical music during cruise, gives Ibom Air an elevated domestic experience.

Air Peace, on the other hand, has an alarming amount of customer complaints. Passengers accuse it of making empty promises, failing to refund cancelled flights, gaslighting customers, and treating them with disrespect. 

One passenger claimed Air Peace staff called her mother “a fool” during a dispute over baggage. The airline has also been condemned for failing to communicate delays or apologise sincerely for mishaps.

Verdict: Ibom Air wins for treating customers like humans, not baggage.

Pricing and Value for Money

Usually, Air Peace is cheaper, but not always. For example, a recent Lagos–Abuja economy fare on Air Peace was listed at ₦133,500 to ₦190,600, while Ibom Air’s hovered around ₦152,500–₦171,500.

But business class, Ibom Air charges around ₦285,000 to ₦333,700; Air Peace charges ₦520,000 for the same route. However, it’s Ibom Air’s cabins that offer leather seats, ample legroom, and calmer boarding.

Given the poor customer experience on Air Peace, the marginal savings in economy or inflated costs in business don’t justify the risk.

Verdict: Ibom Air offers better value, especially in premium cabins.

Fleet Quality and In-Flight Comfort

Ibom Air operates newer CRJ-900 aircraft in a 2–2 configuration, commended for generous legroom, comfortable leather seating, and impressive cleanliness. Passengers love the small touches, like snack packs upon disembarkation and calming music in-flight.

Air Peace’s fleet is larger but older, with aircraft frequently reported for mechanical issues. Some passengers even recount multiple failed engines on the tarmac. Though it offers proper meals and has made strides in international flights, its domestic fleet maintenance record raises serious concerns.

Verdict: Comfort, maintenance, and peace of mind? Ibom Air wins again.

Tech and Booking Experience

Booking a flight should be easy and both Ibom Air as well as Air Peace struggled in the area. Both have simple, clean websites and apps, offering online check-in, digital boarding passes, and regular updates via email or SMS. However, none escaped the glitch complaint.

“Unable to book a flight, unable to update my profile. There is still a lot of work to be done,” a customer said regarding Ibom Air’s app.

“I’m trying to sign up and I can’t. It says error , I need to add a title to my name but there is no Tab or space to add a title,” another said.

For Air Peace, complains include “AirPeace I don’t want to believe this your app is a way of defrauding people of their hard earned money, I booked ticket for me and my wife from Warri to Lagos through this your AirPeace app and I made payment of 202,200. Up till now I can’t access anything, not even the platform to select a seat. Pls do look into it.”

Verdict: Ibom Air and Air Peace have lots of work to do here.

Brand Perception and Trust

Air Peace has a complex reputation. On one hand, it’s Nigeria’s largest airline and has taken commendable steps, like launching Lagos–London flights. But its local reputation is heavily damaged by poor service and operational lapses.

Ibom Air, meanwhile, is seen as Nigeria’s premium domestic airline. Initially thought to be state-funded, COO George Uriesi clarified that the Akwa Ibom Government only invested in it like a business venture, leaving professionals to run it.

Passengers who fly Ibom once tend to stick with it. Air Peace, on the other hand, gets people back due to a lack of alternatives in some regions.

Verdict: Ibom Air is building trust. Air Peace is losing it.

Final Which Airline Deserves Your Naira?

If your priority is route availability, Air Peace still holds the upper hand. For passengers travelling outside major cities or needing late-night flights, it may be the only option.

But if what you want is predictability, peace of mind, clean aircraft, and human-centred service, Ibom Air is your best bet, even if you’ll pay slightly more.

In a country where everything feels like a gamble, Ibom Air has managed to take the risk out of flying. Just that it’s currently limited in reach.

COMPARISON TABLE

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