By Huldah Shado
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 starting October 26, 2025.
The development follows sustained diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocal international air travel rights, ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian carriers.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, June 21, and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Tunde Moshood, Keyamo explained that the breakthrough was the result of a formal letter sent to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, on August 1, 2024.
In the letter, the minister demanded the allocation of landing slots at Heathrow to Air Peace, warning that failure to do so could prompt reciprocal actions, including a review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Nigerian airports in Lagos and Abuja.
Keyamo emphasized that Nigeria was merely exercising its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), between both countries, which mandates reciprocal access and equitable treatment for designated flag carriers.
After months of negotiations, UK authorities approved the Heathrow slots for Air Peace, clearing the way for the airline to operate direct Abuja–London flights.
Describing the achievement as a diplomatic milestone, the minister said it underscores Nigeria’s resolve to uphold international aviation agreements and protect the commercial interests of indigenous airlines.
“With this development, Air Peace will significantly expand its international footprint and offer Nigerian travelers enhanced convenience and connectivity,” Keyamo stated.
Air Peace had earlier launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick in March 2024, marking its entry into the UK aviation market.
