BRITISH Airways has decided to end its joint venture with struggling Nigeria Airways in a move that could open the lucrative Lagos-London route to rival Virgin Atlantic. BA has operated the route for the Nigerian state carrier since 1998. However, the alliance has come under severe strain in recent months, with the Nigerians interpreting the deal as not in their best interest. BA’s own services on the route are not expected to be affected by the end of the joint venture. The independent newspaper This Day linked the development to what it said was the Nigerian government’s guarantee of a $30m credit to help Nigeria Airways refit some of its own grounded planes. – Reuters