In a proactive move, Minister Festus Keyamo engaged UK’s Department for Transport to secure suitable slot allocation for Air Peace.
Air Peace, approved for Lagos-Gatwick route, seeks consistent slots for scheduled services, vital for planned operations at busy airports.
Minister Keyamo, determined to resolve the issue, stressed the significance of Air Peace’s entry into the lucrative Lagos-London route.
The Ministry clarified that slot allocation at Gatwick posed the main obstacle, hindering Air Peace from launching direct flights.
UK officials, while acknowledging their limited authority over slot allocation, pledged to raise Nigeria’s concerns.
The meeting aimed to address concerns regarding departure times, turnaround time, and approval for the 2024 summer schedule.
The Ministry expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for Air Peace to commence operations to the UK.
During discussions, Minister Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian airlines like Air Peace.
NORSE Atlantic Airways expressed readiness to partner with Air Peace pending final authorization for direct flights to Gatwick.
The longstanding BASA between Nigeria and the UK allows UK carriers flights to Lagos and Abuja but lacks reciprocity.
Nigerian aviation officials, along with Air Peace’s executive team, engaged UK counterparts to resolve slot allocation issues.
