Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has announced that after months of high-level diplomacy, the Federal Government has secured a coveted landing slot at London’s Heathrow Airport for Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace.
The milestone, achieved through sustained bilateral discussions between Abuja and London, paves the way for direct Air Peace services between Abuja and Heathrow — a major win for Nigeria’s aviation sector and a significant boost to the nation’s international air transport presence.
A Diplomatic and Strategic Win
Minister Keyamo, who has prioritized equitable access for Nigerian airlines on international routes since assuming office, said the achievement followed “extensive bilateral engagements” with his British counterparts.
He explained that the success was rooted in the enforcement of reciprocity under the Nigeria–UK Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), ensuring that Nigerian airlines enjoy the same access to UK airports as their British counterparts do in Nigeria.
The Minister led a delegation of dignitaries on the inaugural Air Peace flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Heathrow on Sunday, marking a new chapter in Nigeria–UK aviation relations.
Why Heathrow Matters
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest and most competitive airports in the world, with very limited slot availability. Securing a slot there is both commercially and politically significant.
For years, Air Peace operated its London route into Gatwick Airport, after being unable to obtain a Heathrow slot due to intense competition and regulatory hurdles. The new arrangement gives Air Peace a stronger foothold in Europe’s busiest aviation hub and offers Nigerian travelers greater convenience and connectivity.
Route Details and Operations
Air Peace plans to operate the Abuja–Heathrow service with its Boeing 777 aircraft, offering passengers direct access to central London. The service will initially operate four times a week, timed to coincide with the start of the IATA winter scheduling season.
The airline has also designed the schedule to connect seamlessly with its domestic network, allowing travelers from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and other Nigerian cities to reach London via Abuja on a single ticket — without the need for baggage re-checks.
Economic Impact and Competitive Outlook
The development is expected to intensify competition on the Nigeria–UK route, traditionally dominated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
With Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow, analysts predict a likely reduction in airfares, improved service quality, and greater travel options for passengers. Air Peace has already announced promotional fares and increased baggage allowances as part of its introductory campaign.
Minister Keyamo described the move as “a win for Nigerian travelers who have long faced high ticket prices and limited options.”
Industry and Public Reactions
The announcement has been widely celebrated across Nigeria’s aviation and business communities. Many view it as a symbolic assertion of national pride and a demonstration of Nigeria’s growing aviation capability.
Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support, noting that the airline’s journey to Heathrow had been years in the making.
“This is not just a corporate success; it’s a national achievement. We are proving that a Nigerian airline can compete on the world stage and deliver world-class service,” Onyema said.
Behind the Negotiations
According to aviation insiders, the breakthrough came after months of technical and diplomatic discussions with UK authorities, including Heathrow’s slot coordination body. Air Peace had made multiple applications in previous years, but capacity constraints and slot allocation challenges delayed approval.
Negotiations intensified in mid-2025, culminating in formal approval of the slot in June. The airline then began operational planning, aircraft rotation scheduling, and crew training in preparation for the launch.
Challenges Ahead
While the development is widely celebrated, experts caution that maintaining Heathrow operations will require consistency in on-time performance, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.
They note that Heathrow’s stringent slot retention rules — “use it or lose it” — mean Air Peace must maintain at least 80% utilization of its slot to keep it beyond the initial season.
Still, with strong government backing and growing demand for direct Nigeria–UK travel, industry observers are optimistic about Air Peace’s prospects.
A New Chapter for Nigerian Aviation
The successful securing of a Heathrow slot symbolizes more than just access to a premium airport — it represents Nigeria’s determination to achieve parity in international aviation relations and to project its national carriers globally.
As Air Peace aircraft touched down at Heathrow on its maiden commercial service, the symbolism was unmistakable: Nigeria’s flag now flies proudly among the world’s leading airlines at one of the planet’s busiest airports.
