Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest private airline, has received approval to operate flights into London Heathrow Airport, following prolonged diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
This marks a significant breakthrough for Nigeria’s aviation sector and a win for the country’s campaign for fair treatment under international aviation agreements.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the development on Saturday via his verified X account.
“My dear compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights under our Bilateral Air Services Agreement, we are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, Air Peace,” he wrote.
This approval comes after multiple denials and prolonged silence from UK aviation authorities, despite Nigeria’s firm request.
Air Peace had already begun operating a Lagos–London route through Gatwick Airport in March 2024. However, the airline had repeatedly requested access to Heathrow Airport due to its proximity to central London and high passenger traffic.
In a letter dated August 1, 2024, Keyamo directly addressed the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, describing the treatment of Air Peace as “extremely disheartening.”
The minister noted that it was unfair for UK carriers to operate freely in Nigeria while Air Peace was denied access to Heathrow.
New Winter Route Boosts Air Peace’s UK Operations
Tensions escalated when Air Peace announced plans to begin a new Abuja–London route. The airline also requested that its operations be transferred from Gatwick to Heathrow starting in November 2024 for the winter schedule.
The matter was discussed during the International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN) forum in October 2024, where both sides agreed to open formal discussions. These efforts have now resulted in the granting of a landing slot at Heathrow.
While the exact start date for Air Peace’s Heathrow operations is yet to be confirmed, aviation insiders suggest it could begin as early as November 2024, aligning with the upcoming winter schedule.
The development signals progress not only for Air Peace’s growing international footprint but also for Nigeria’s demand for equal treatment under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with the United Kingdom.
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