By Samuel Adeola
After months of intense diplomatic engagement, the United Kingdom has granted Nigeria’s Air Peace approval to operate direct flights to London’s Heathrow Airport.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, announced the breakthrough on Saturday, describing it as a major victory for Nigeria under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
He revealed that the development followed “many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles” aimed at securing fair treatment for Nigerian carriers.
Since launching its UK route in March 2024, Air Peace had been restricted to flying into London Gatwick, while British airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic continued to enjoy prime access to Nigeria’s major airports in Lagos and Abuja.
In response to what was viewed as an imbalance, Keyamo had threatened reciprocal action.
In a letter dated August 1, 2024, the Minister warned that Nigerian authorities would restrict British carriers if Air Peace was not granted equal access to Heathrow.
UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh initially argued that Air Peace had missed the deadlines for slot applications for both summer and winter seasons.
“Air Peace sent late requests for slots… their requests were received after the slot coordination process had concluded,” she stated in a letter dated September 5.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria remained firm. “We are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, @flyairpeace,” Keyamo tweeted.
He added that the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would continue to back Nigerian airlines while also expecting them to deliver top-quality service.
Air Peace is scheduled to commence direct flights from Abuja to Heathrow on October 26, 2025.
