Victory in the Skies: Air Peace to Launch Abuja–Heathrow Flights October 26 After Diplomatic Win
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Air Peace will commence direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow Airport starting October 26, 2025. This development marks a significant achievement in Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy and follows sustained efforts by the federal government to ensure fairness in international air travel agreements.
The milestone follows a diplomatic letter sent by Minister Keyamo to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, on August 1, 2024. In the letter, Nigeria demanded the allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace, warning that failure to do so could prompt reciprocal action affecting British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Lagos and Abuja airports.
“This is a major diplomatic victory for Nigeria,” Keyamo said, adding that the achievement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes support for Nigerian enterprises on the global stage.
Air Peace will operate the Abuja–Heathrow route four times weekly using its Boeing 777 aircraft, adding to its growing international presence. The airline already operates direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick, launched in March 2024.
The move is expected to provide Nigerian travellers with more options, improved connectivity, and competitive fares while also reinforcing the government’s resolve to uphold bilateral aviation agreements.
Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema lauded the federal government’s intervention, thanking President Tinubu and Minister Keyamo for their unwavering support. He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to excellence and representing Nigeria positively on the global aviation map.
The development marks a turning point in Nigeria–UK aviation relations and is likely to encourage greater reciprocity and compliance with existing air service agreements.
