April 19, (THEWILL) — In a major boost for Nigeria’s aviation sector and international travel access, Turkish Airlines and Air Peace have activated a bilateral Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) interline partnership, a move set to significantly enhance seamless connectivity between Nigeria, West and Central Africa, Türkiye, and the rest of the world.
The agreement allows passengers travelling on both carriers to enjoy a unified travel experience through single-ticket bookings, coordinated flight schedules, and streamlined baggage transfers across selected routes. The development eliminates the stress of multiple bookings and check-ins, offering a more efficient and passenger-friendly journey across continents.
Under the arrangement, passengers flying with Turkish Airlines into Lagos can now easily connect to several domestic and regional destinations via Air Peace’s extensive network. In the same vein, Air Peace passengers departing from Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries will gain access to Turkish Airlines’ vast global route network through its hub in Istanbul—one of the world’s most strategically positioned aviation centres linking Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
The interline agreement is widely seen as a transformative step that not only strengthens travel ties between Nigeria and Türkiye but also opens up broader economic, trade, and tourism opportunities. By linking West and Central Africa more efficiently to global markets, the partnership is expected to stimulate business travel, diaspora connectivity, and cultural exchange.
Speaking on the collaboration, Dr Özlem Özyön, Senior Vice President for International Relations and Alliances at Turkish Airlines, described the agreement as a strategic expansion of the airline’s African footprint.
“This interline agreement with Air Peace reinforces our commitment to expanding connectivity across Africa. By combining Turkish Airlines’ global reach with Air Peace’s strong regional presence, we are generating more travel options, improved convenience, and greater accessibility for our passengers”, she said.
Also commenting, Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, said the partnership aligns with the airline’s long-term vision of positioning Nigeria as a central hub in global aviation.
“This partnership with Turkish Airlines is another important milestone in Air Peace’s strategy to position Africa and particularly Nigeria at the centre of global connectivity. By integrating our robust domestic and regional network with Turkish Airlines’ unparalleled international reach, we are offering our customers seamless connections, reduced travel complexity, and greater choice, while strengthening Nigeria’s role as a key aviation gateway”, Ngala stated.
Turkish Airlines, renowned for flying to more countries than any other airline, operates modern widebody aircraft on its Lagos route, delivering premium onboard services including award-winning catering and advanced in-flight entertainment. Its Istanbul hub continues to serve as a critical global transit point, providing efficient connections to over 300 international destinations.
On its part, Air Peace has continued to consolidate its position as West Africa’s largest airline, with a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s, and Embraer jets. The airline plays a crucial role in regional integration by connecting key cities, facilitating trade, and supporting tourism across Africa and beyond.
Industry stakeholders say the agreement signals growing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sectoral growth. It is also expected to improve passenger traffic, enhance airline competitiveness, and contribute to the broader goal of making Nigeria a leading aviation hub on the continent.
Tickets under the interline agreement are available through the airlines’ official booking platforms and IATA-accredited travel agents, further simplifying access for travellers seeking expanded route options.
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