Nigeria’s Air Peace airline is set to commence direct flights to London’s Heathrow Airport from Abuja on October 26, 2025.
This was disclosed by Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Sunday.
This development followed sustained diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.
The breakthrough came after a strongly worded letter from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, demanding landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria was asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations, which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for designated flag carriers.
“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,” said Keyamo.
After months of negotiations, the UK authorities granted Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria.
The move is expected to expand Air Peace’s international footprint and provide Nigerian travelers with greater convenience and connectivity.
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.
The airline’s expansion to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports, is a significant development in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
