LAGOS: Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced plans to commence international flight operations linking London with the newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport later this summer.
The airline’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed the development during a visit to inspect facilities at the airport alongside Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Speaking with journalists after the tour, Onyema confirmed that the airline would operate direct services from both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport to the Ogun airport.
According to him, the project followed an invitation from the state government to help activate commercial operations at the newly commissioned aviation facility.
We are coming here, under the instrumentality of his invitation, to start doing London Gatwick and London Heathrow to Gateway International Airport this summer,” Onyema said.
The announcement came shortly after the airport was officially inaugurated by Bola Tinubu, marking a major milestone in Ogun State’s aviation development drive.
Onyema praised the state government for constructing what he described as a world-class airport facility capable of competing with major aviation hubs across Africa.
This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused. When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it,” he said.
The airline chief highlighted the airport’s infrastructure, particularly its four-kilometre runway, which he said is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
For the proposed London route, however, Air Peace plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet, which is already used for some of the airline’s international operations.
Onyema added that the airline had received necessary approvals from the aviation authorities to proceed with preparations for the new route.
He also described the project as a national asset rather than a purely state initiative, noting that the airport would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader aviation growth.
Governor Abiodun, who accompanied the airline executive during the inspection, outlined plans to develop a full aviation ecosystem around the airport.
According to him, the state government intends to build an international conference and convention centre as well as a 550-room five-star hotel within the airport environment.
The governor said the additional infrastructure would position Ogun State as a strategic hub for international conferences, tourism, and global business activities.
He further disclosed that cargo operations had already begun at the airport through Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon.
Abiodun also revealed that another European carrier was preparing to launch cargo services to the airport.
According to the governor, the state anticipates around 50 cargo flights to pass through the facility between April and the end of the year.
Gateway Airlines to Boost Domestic Connectivity
In addition to international and cargo services, the state government has launched a regional airline, Gateway Airlines, aimed at improving domestic connectivity.
The airline has already acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 planes with seating capacity for about 90 passengers each.
These aircraft are expected to operate routes linking Ogun State with major Nigerian cities, strengthening transportation links and supporting business travel.
Governor Abiodun expressed optimism that the combination of passenger flights, cargo operations, and supporting infrastructure would transform the new airport into a major aviation centre.
“With the level of investment and partnerships already secured, we are confident that Gateway International Airport will soon become the third busiest airport in Nigeria, after Lagos and Abuja,” he said.
Industry analysts say the new London-Ogun route could significantly boost regional economic activity by improving international access to Ogun State’s growing industrial and manufacturing base.
The development is also expected to reduce congestion at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, currently Nigeria’s busiest international aviation gateway.
