Finally, Air Peace Secures Heathrow Slot, Set to Launch Abuja–London Flights October
In a major development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, leading indigenous carrier, Air Peace has announced that it has secured flight slots at London’s Heathrow Airport and will commence four weekly flights on the Abuja–London route starting October 26, 2025.
The announcement was made by the airline’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, during a media briefing in Lagos. According to Onyema, the successful slot acquisition marks a milestone achievement for the airline and reflects growing global confidence in Air Peace’s operational standards and capacity.
“This is a strong vote of confidence from the international aviation community,” Onyema said. “Securing a Heathrow slot is no small feat. It shows that they trust in what we are building here.”
The Abuja–Heathrow service is the latest addition to Air Peace’s expanding international network and comes after the airline’s Lagos–London Gatwick service, which operates three times weekly, was launched earlier in the year to wide acclaim.
The new service will bring Air Peace closer to achieving parity with foreign carriers operating in Nigeria, many of whom have enjoyed preferential access to prime international slots for years.
According to the airline, wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft will be deployed on the route, with additional aircraft expected to join the fleet under a dry-lease arrangement in time for the October launch.
The development is also expected to improve Nigeria’s direct air connectivity to the United Kingdom, especially for travelers from the central and northern regions of the country. Abuja’s inclusion as a direct gateway to London aligns with broader efforts to decentralize international travel options away from Lagos alone.
Onyema also used the occasion to address critics and reiterated his commitment to building a resilient, globally competitive Nigerian airline. He lamented what he called “unnecessary attacks” on the airline and emphasized the importance of supporting homegrown businesses.
“We are not here to beg for patronage; we are earning our place on the world stage,” Onyema said. “It is time Nigerians take pride in their own.”
In addition to the Abuja–London route, Air Peace is pursuing further international expansion. The airline plans to begin flights to Antigua and Barbados by September 2025, with new routes to China, Congo, and Libreville also on the horizon.
The journey to securing a Heathrow slot has not been without challenges. Earlier attempts by Air Peace were met with regulatory hurdles and coordination delays. UK aviation authorities had previously stated that the airline’s applications for summer and winter 2024 slots were submitted past the deadline. However, through sustained engagement and strategic planning, Air Peace was eventually granted access to the highly competitive Heathrow space.
Aviation analysts say the move could signal a turning point in Nigeria’s push for reciprocity in bilateral air service agreements, particularly with countries where Nigerian carriers have historically been disadvantaged.
The Abuja–London Heathrow route is scheduled to open on October 26, 2025, offering passengers a new premium option on one of Nigeria’s busiest long-haul corridors. Industry stakeholders and travelers alike are expected to watch closely as the airline steps into one of its most ambitious ventures to date.
