The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has announced that Nigerian carrier Air Peace will commence direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow Airport on October 26, 2025.

 

The announcement, made via a statement from the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr. Tunde Moshood, marks a major diplomatic and commercial milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

 

Keyamo revealed that the development followed intense diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocity under the Nigeria–UK Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). A strongly-worded letter sent to the UK Secretary of State for Transport in August 2024 demanded landing slots for Air Peace at Heathrow or risk reciprocal restrictions on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

 

After months of negotiations, UK authorities granted Air Peace the coveted Heathrow slot, which the minister described as a “significant diplomatic win for Nigeria” and a firm message that Nigeria will protect the commercial interests of its indigenous carriers.

 

“This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a signal that we are serious about enforcing bilateral agreements and empowering Nigerian businesses,” Keyamo stated.

 

The move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes creating a level playing field for Nigerian enterprises on the global stage.

 

Air Peace had previously entered the UK market in March 2024 with its Lagos, London Gatwick route, where it disrupted market pricing, offering economy tickets starting from ₦1.2 million, significantly lower than the ₦3–₦5 million typically charged by foreign airlines.

 

The addition of the Abuja, Heathrow route further expands the airline’s transcontinental reach and solidifies its growing footprint in the UK aviation sector.

 

Keyamo emphasized that this new phase not only enhances travel convenience for Nigerians but also strengthens bilateral ties and sets a precedent for enforcing equitable international aviation agreements.