Nigeria flag carrier, Air Peace is set to commence direct flight operations to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on October 26, 2025.
This landmark achievement followed sustained diplomatic efforts by the federal government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.
The breakthrough came in the wake of a strongly worded letter dated August 1, 2024, written by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Hon. Louise Haigh.
In the correspondence, Keyamo demanded the immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace or risk reciprocal action, including a potential review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Lagos and Abuja airports.
He reiterated that Nigeria was only asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations, which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for designated flag carriers.
After months of negotiations and firm diplomatic engagement, the UK authorities acceded to Nigeria’s demand, granting Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot.
Keyamo, in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said: “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,” Keyamo said.
He further added that the move aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places high priority on creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to thrive globally.
“My dear compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights under our Bilateral Air Services Agreement,
“We are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, Air Peace,” Keyamo added.
Air Peace had earlier launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, marking its entry into the highly competitive UK aviation market.
With the move to Heathrow—one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports—the airline is expected to significantly expand its international footprint and provide Nigerian travellers with greater convenience and connectivity.
This development marks a new chapter in Nigeria-UK aviation relations and sets a precedent for stronger enforcement of bilateral agreements to benefit national carriers.