Nigeria’s Air Peace today inaugurated its maiden Abuja-Heathrow direct flight, marking a major milestone for the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was vibrant and filled with excitement as passengers received souvenirs and warm greetings from the airline’s staff adorned in Air Peace colours. The launch strengthens Nigeria’s aviation footprint globally and highlights a new phase in indigenous airline expansion.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led dignitaries and passengers on the ceremonial send-off of the historic Abuja-Heathrow flight. The aircraft departed Abuja on Sunday, 26 October 2025, for London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
According to the Minister’s Media Adviser, Tunde Moshood, the flight followed months of intense diplomatic efforts to secure reciprocity and fair access under the Nigeria–UK Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Keyamo highlighted how the airline secured slots at “…the connecting capital of Europe”. He recalled writing to UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, on 1 August 2024, demanding a Heathrow slot for a Nigerian carrier, ending decades of dominance by foreign airlines. “Under our BASAs, we had rights too, but no capacity, no access, no slot at Heathrow. Today, that changes,” he declared.
Before boarding, the Minister reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given a clear mandate to support Nigerian airlines to thrive globally. “With that mandate, we dug deep to discover why local operators have struggled for 40 years,” he said. “More than 100 airlines have come and gone. This government is determined to reverse that trend.”
He stressed that strong private-sector growth drives national prosperity. “If you destroy the private sector, you destroy the country. We’ve done all we can to give local operators the muscle for fair competition,” Keyamo added.
What Abuja-Heathrow Flight Means
Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema said the Abuja-Heathrow feat is grounded in local investment, private sector capacity and a commitment to raise Nigeria in the global aviation map. Furthermore, he noted that this connection with Heathrow goes beyond further adds to other connections to the Americas, Europe and the Caribbeans.
He praised the Minister particularly for decisive interventions. “When Customs introduced a 4% FOB charge on aviation imports, we approached the Minister. Within one week, he resolved it,” Onyema said. “When the government listens to the people and acts swiftly, this is the result. It’s not just about Air Peace. Every Nigerian airline must speak up for what this regime has done.”
He thanked President Tinubu, the Minister, and all stakeholders for their trust and support in enabling an indigenous carrier to claim a global gateway. “Heathrow’s connectivity to Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean will now be accessible through Air Peace. This is not just a route; it’s an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s footprint on the global aviation map,” he said.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia congratulated Air Peace on behalf of the Federal Government. He said the Abuja-Heathrow route would boost competition, improve service quality, and enhance affordability in the UK–Nigeria market.
In a goodwill message from the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu described the milestone as a clear demonstration of public–private synergy. “When government clears the runway, the private sector takes flight,” he said, commending Allen Onyema as a model of integrity and entrepreneurship.
The Abuja-Heathrow operation comes months after Air Peace launched its Lagos–London Gatwick service in March 2024. With this new addition, Air Peace becomes the first Nigerian airline to connect the nation’s capital directly to London Heathrow, Europe’s busiest hub.
As West and Central Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, Air Peace continues to expand its international presence with seamless ticketing options from several Nigerian cities via Abuja to Heathrow. The new route is expected to boost tourism, stimulate travel demand, and foster stronger trade ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
For Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Abuja-Heathrow flight represents confidence, competitiveness, and connectivity. It is a defining step toward reclaiming Nigeria’s rightful place in global aviation.
Also present at the ceremony were Vice Chairman Mrs. Alice Onyema, Barr. Emeka Ngige, SAN, Mrs. Ekaette Monsuru, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka, and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo.
As passengers checked in amid cheers and branded memorabilia, the maiden Abuja-Heathrow flight stood as a proud declaration Nigerian aviation has taken flight, and the eagle is soaring higher.
