Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace Limited, has officially launched its maiden direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport, marking a major milestone for both the airline and the nation’s aviation industry.
The vibrant ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was filled with excitement and patriotic pride as passengers received commemorative souvenirs and warm greetings from Air Peace staff dressed in the airline’s signature colours.
The event drew dignitaries from government and the aviation industry, including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema; Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Onyema; members of the airline’s Board of Directors; and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia commended Air Peace for the historic feat, noting that the Abuja–Heathrow route would boost competition, improve service quality, and make travel more affordable in the UK–Nigeria corridor. He also praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating policies that empower indigenous carriers to compete globally.
Minister Festus Keyamo described the launch as the product of months of intense diplomatic engagement to ensure fair access and reciprocity under the Nigeria–UK Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). He recalled that the federal government had formally requested equal access to Heathrow, ending decades of imbalance favouring foreign airlines.
“This achievement shows that when we insist on fairness, we can compete globally. The connecting capital of Europe is now open to Nigeria’s own airline,” Keyamo said. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local operators, stating, “If you destroy the private sector, you destroy the country. We’ve done all we can to give local airlines the muscle for fair competition.”
Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu, Minister Keyamo, and all stakeholders whose collaboration made the milestone possible. He said the Abuja–Heathrow service is not just a route addition but a symbol of Nigeria’s growing capacity and confidence in global aviation.
“This achievement is grounded in local investment, private-sector strength, and an unyielding commitment to raise Nigeria’s flag high on the global aviation map,” Onyema stated. “Heathrow’s vast connectivity — linking to Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean — is now within reach through Air Peace.”
He also highlighted the Minister’s swift interventions in policy challenges affecting the industry, adding, “When the government listens and acts swiftly, this is the result. It’s not just about Air Peace — every Nigerian airline must celebrate what this regime has done for the sector.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who represented the National Assembly, described the development as a perfect example of government–private sector collaboration. “When government clears the runway, the private sector takes flight,” he said, applauding Onyema’s leadership, integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Abuja–Heathrow operation, which commenced on 26 October 2025, follows the successful launch of Air Peace’s Lagos–London Gatwick route in March 2024. With this addition, Air Peace becomes the first Nigerian airline to connect the nation’s capital directly to Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport and one of the world’s top global hubs.
As West and Central Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, Air Peace continues to expand its international footprint, offering seamless ticketing options from multiple Nigerian cities via Abuja to London. The new route is expected to enhance global connectivity, boost tourism, stimulate business travel, and strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
For Nigerian aviation, the launch represents more than just a new route — it is a defining moment of pride, resilience, and renewed confidence. As jubilant passengers boarded the inaugural flight, Air Peace’s eagle insignia soared once more, symbolising that Nigerian aviation is not just taking off — it is rising to new heights.
