Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has officially commenced direct flights between Abuja and London Heathrow, marking another milestone in its international expansion drive.
The inaugural flight, which departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday morning, was ceremonially led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
It is expected to land in London by evening — a new bridge of air connectivity linking Nigeria’s capital to one of the world’s busiest airports.
Keyamo described the feat as a product of President Bola Tinubu’s clear directive to empower local airlines to thrive in a highly competitive global aviation sector.
“With that mandate in our right hand, we went to work,” he said. “Over the last four decades, more than 100 Nigerian airlines have folded up. Today, that story begins to change.”
He explained that his ministry worked tirelessly to secure landing rights for Nigerian carriers at Gatwick and Heathrow airports, noting that it is part of the provisions under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
“International airlines have been coming to Nigeria for nearly 90 years, lifting passengers without our operators fully participating,” he added. “Today that changes.”
A New Chapter for Nigerian Aviation
The event attracted dignitaries, industry leaders, and excited passengers, many of whom hailed Air Peace’s growing dominance on African and transatlantic routes.
Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, praised the Tinubu administration for policies that have reduced financial and regulatory burdens on local operators.
“When the Customs imposed a 4% FOB charge on our imports, the Minister intervened immediately,” he recalled. “Within a week, the charge was removed. This government listens to the people and supports Nigerian businesses.”
Onyema added that the new route is more than a business move — it’s a patriotic symbol of national progress.
The direct flight cuts travel time and cost for thousands of Nigerian travellers who previously relied on foreign airlines for London connections.
Aviation observers see the development is a big step toward rebalancing the aviation market in favour of indigenous carriers.
It also comes amid plans by the Ministry to introduce a Fly Nigerian Act — a proposed law that would compel government officials to patronise Nigerian airlines for international travel, mirroring similar policies in the United States and India.
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