In a major boost for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Federal Government has successfully negotiated a prized landing slot at London’s Heathrow Airport for Air Peace, clearing the way for the airline to commence direct flights between Abuja and London.
The breakthrough comes after months of diplomatic and commercial negotiations between Nigerian authorities and UK airport officials. Air Peace will become the first Nigerian carrier to operate the Abuja-London route since the collapse of the previous national carrier.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the development, stating: “This achievement reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to compete globally.” The slot acquisition is seen as a strategic move to reduce foreign dominance on Nigeria’s international routes and lower airfares for travelers.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema hailed the federal government’s intervention: “With this Heathrow slot, we can now offer Nigerians more options and better pricing on the lucrative UK route.” The airline plans to deploy its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the service, with operations expected to begin before the end of the year.
The development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy and follows Air Peace’s successful launch of Lagos-London flights earlier this year. Industry analysts predict the new route could reduce fares by up to 40% compared to current foreign carrier prices.
UK High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery welcomed the expansion, noting it would strengthen business and cultural ties between both nations. The Abuja-London service is expected to particularly benefit government officials, business travelers and the diaspora community in the UK.
Aviation experts suggest the slot allocation represents a rare victory for African airlines at Heathrow, where landing rights are highly contested among global carriers. The federal government is reportedly pursuing similar arrangements with other international hubs to expand Nigeria’s aviation footprint.
Passengers have already begun anticipating the new route, with many expressing hopes for more competitive pricing and improved service quality. Air Peace says it will announce flight schedules and ticket prices in coming weeks.
