Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, will begin direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport on October 26, 2025, marking a significant diplomatic and commercial milestone for the country’s aviation sector.
This breakthrough follows sustained diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements and protect the rights of Nigerian airlines abroad.
The landmark slot allocation came after a strongly worded letter dated August 1, 2024, from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh MP. In the letter, the minister demanded an immediate allocation of Heathrow landing slots for Air Peace, warning that failure to comply could trigger reciprocal measures, including a review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Nigerian airports in Lagos and Abuja.
Keyamo emphasised that Nigeria was merely asserting its entitlements under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed by both nations, which guarantees fair treatment and reciprocal access for designated national carriers. Following several months of firm negotiations and diplomatic engagement, UK authorities conceded, granting Air Peace the coveted slot at Heathrow.
“This is not just a win for Air Peace but a landmark diplomatic achievement for Nigeria. It sends a strong signal that we are determined to uphold our bilateral rights and safeguard the commercial interests of our indigenous airlines,” Keyamo said.
He added that this development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which prioritises creating favourable conditions for Nigerian businesses to compete and flourish globally.
“My dear compatriots, after months of diplomatic back-and-forth, insisting on our reciprocal rights under the BASA, we are delighted to announce that Nigeria has finally secured a Heathrow slot for Air Peace,” the minister declared in an official statement.
Air Peace had already made history in March 2024 with its inaugural direct Lagos-London Gatwick flight, entering the competitive UK market. The move to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports, is expected to boost Air Peace’s international profile and offer Nigerian travellers greater comfort, connectivity, and travel options.
This achievement sets a new standard in Nigeria-UK aviation relations, demonstrating Nigeria’s resolve to ensure fair treatment for its national carriers while strengthening the country’s standing in global aviation diplomacy.
