Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, is set to begin direct flight operations to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on October 26, 2025, following a successful diplomatic effort by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.
The announcement was made in a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Moshood disclosed that the breakthrough followed a formal letter issued by Minister Keyamo on August 1, 2024, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh. In the letter, the minister demanded immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace, warning of reciprocal measures that could include reviewing the access of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Nigeria’s major airports in Lagos and Abuja.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria was asserting its rights under the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries, which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for national carriers.
After months of diplomatic engagement, UK authorities granted Air Peace a slot at Heathrow, marking a major milestone for the airline and the country’s aviation sector.
“This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria. It sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing the terms of our bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of our indigenous carriers,” said Keyamo.
Air Peace had previously commenced direct flights from Lagos to London Gatwick in March 2024. The move to Heathrow—one of the world’s most prestigious international gateways—is expected to strengthen the airline’s global presence and offer Nigerian travellers improved connectivity and convenience.
