Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, is set to commence direct flight operations from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport starting October 26, 2025.
This landmark achievement follows months of intense diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, culminating in the allocation of a coveted landing slot at Heathrow Airport to Air Peace.
The breakthrough stems from a strongly worded letter dated August 1, 2024, from Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), addressed to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh MP.
In the letter, the Minister demanded equitable treatment for Nigerian airlines under the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), warning of reciprocal measures that could affect British carriers operating in Nigeria if the matter was not addressed.
“We are not asking for favours,” said Keyamo. “We are merely insisting on the enforcement of our rights under existing bilateral agreements. This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a diplomatic victory for Nigeria. It shows that we are now taking our international partnerships seriously, especially when it comes to protecting indigenous commercial interests.”
The Minister emphasized that this move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes support for Nigerian businesses on the global stage.
According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy.
“This achievement sets a new precedent in how Nigeria asserts its rights in international aviation agreements. The successful securing of a Heathrow slot for Air Peace reflects our renewed determination to ensure that Nigerian carriers are treated fairly and equitably on the global stage,” Moshood said.
Air Peace had previously launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick in March 2024, signaling its entry into the highly competitive UK market. With this expansion to Heathrow—one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports—the airline is expected to significantly increase its international footprint and offer Nigerian travellers greater convenience and connectivity.
This development marks a new chapter in Nigeria–UK aviation relations and reinforces the government’s commitment to enforcing bilateral agreements to benefit national carriers.