ABUJA: Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Air Peace will commence direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport on October 26, 2025.
The minister disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
According to Keyamo, the development follows sustained diplomatic engagements by the Federal Government to ensure fairness and reciprocity in Nigeria’s international air transport agreements.
He revealed that the breakthrough stemmed from a formal letter the ministry sent on August 1, 2024, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, demanding the allocation of Heathrow landing slots for Air Peace or risk reciprocal action against British carriers operating in Nigeria.
- Airpeace’s Boss Onyema To Face US Charges for Justice Obstruction
- Aviation Gasoline Importation Drops By 27% To N358bn
- Oyedepo’s Canaanland Airport Approval Confirmed By Minister
- Lagos Airport: FAAN inaugurates armed safety unit -Minister
Keyamo explained that the ministry had warned of reviewing the operating rights of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic in Lagos and Abuja if Nigeria’s request was ignored.
The minister stressed that the move was not confrontational but an assertion of Nigeria’s rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which guarantees equal access and fair treatment for both countries designated airlines.
After months of firm negotiations and diplomatic engagement, the UK authorities finally granted Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot,Keyamo stated.
This is not just a win for Air Peace but a major diplomatic victory for Nigeria. It sends a clear message that we are committed to enforcing our bilateral rights and protecting the interests of our indigenous carriers.
The aviation minister added that the new route aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes creating a supportive environment for Nigerian businesses to compete globally.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest privately-owned airline, had earlier made its international debut on the UK route with its inaugural Lagos–London Gatwick flight in March 2024.
With the new Abuja-Heathrow service, the airline is set to deepen its presence in the highly competitive UK market, providing Nigerian travelers with greater accessibility and convenience.
“This milestone marks a new chapter in Nigeria–UK aviation relations, Keyamo said. It reinforces our commitment to reciprocal treatment in air transport agreements and sets a precedent for stronger protection of national carriers.
The minister hailed the development as a testament to Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic assertiveness and a major boost for the country’s aviation industry.
