Enugu Air has received regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, marking a major step in the state-owned airline’s international expansion.
Bookings for the new route are now open, with passengers able to make reservations through the airline’s online booking platform.
The airline disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The Lagos-London Gatwick route will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner .
The development comes about six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.
Omni-Blu Gets UK Permit
Omni-Blu Aviation has been granted flight rights to begin scheduled passenger operations from December 1, 2026, according to New Telegraph.
The carrier received the UK and Northern Ireland Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit, issued under Article 250 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 .
The permit authorises Omni-Blu to operate international scheduled air services under the Air Transport Agreement between the UK and Nigeria.
It was signed by David Kendrick on behalf of the UK Civil Aviation Authority on November 4, 2026, and runs through March 27, 2027.
The airline will operate four weekly frequencies initially, using aircraft wet-leased from EuroAtlantic Airways.
The development brings the number of Nigerian carriers operating flights into London under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement to two, alongside Air Peace.
Mbah’s Aviation Agenda
Enugu Air acknowledged the role of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah in driving the state’s aviation development agenda.
The airline was established in July 2025 by the Enugu State Government with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft, comprising the E170 and E190 series.
It was introduced as part of the Mbah administration’s plan to develop a modern transportation system and position Enugu as a major aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
The commencement of the Lagos-London route is expected to improve travel connections between Nigeria and the UK and strengthen economic and commercial relationships between both countries.
