Air Peace has begun direct commercial flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, making it the first Nigerian airline in recent years to secure a coveted slot at one of the world’s busiest airports.
The flight, which departed on Sunday, was led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who described the achievement as a major diplomatic and economic victory for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
A statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Tunde Moshood, said the service follows the federal government’s push for reciprocity under the Nigeria–UK Bilateral Air Services Agreement. In a letter to his British counterpart in August 2024, Keyamo insisted that a Nigerian carrier must be granted landing rights in line with existing aviation treaties.
Air Peace founder, Allen Onyema, commended the government for consistently supporting the aviation industry, citing the removal of a 4 per cent FOB import charge and other cost-relief measures for airlines.
“This government intervenes when operators face unfair hurdles, and it has opened doors not just for Air Peace but for the entire sector,” Onyema said.
Keyamo emphasised that President Bola Tinubu had instructed him to ensure local airlines are able to compete internationally after decades of instability.
“Over 100 airlines have collapsed in Nigeria in 40 years. You cannot destroy your private sector and expect your economy to grow,” he said, highlighting the private sector’s role as the country’s largest employer.
He added that international airlines had operated in Nigeria for nearly a century without Nigerian carriers fully benefiting from bilateral rights. “No slots, no access—until today.”
The minister said the Abuja–Heathrow route reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to improving aviation connectivity, empowering flag carriers, and giving local operators a stronger presence on the global stage.
