Nigerian airline Air Peace has launched direct flight services between Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and London Heathrow, marking a new milestone in the carrier’s growing international operations.
The inaugural flight, which departed from Abuja on Sunday, adds to Air Peace’s Lagos–London route that began in March 2024, making it the second direct link operated by the airline between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Air Peace’s chief executive officer, Allen Onyema, praised the Nigerian government for its continued support of local airlines, crediting the success of the new route to policies that have created a more enabling environment for domestic operators.
“What we are celebrating today is absolute patriotism and love for our country,” Onyema said. “The government listened to the yearnings of the people and has been responsive to the challenges facing the aviation sector.”
He commended Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for swiftly addressing industry concerns, urging other airlines to acknowledge the government’s efforts to strengthen the aviation sector.
In his remarks, Minister Festus Keyamo said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the ministry to ensure Nigerian carriers are given the support needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
“For decades, more than 100 Nigerian airlines have come and gone,” Keyamo noted. “The President’s mandate was clear to break that cycle by empowering our local operators to stand strong.”
Keyamo explained that while foreign airlines have long dominated Nigeria’s international routes, the government is now focused on enabling domestic carriers to utilise their reciprocal rights under existing bilateral air service agreements (BASA).
“Foreign airlines from almost all European capitals fly into Nigeria daily,” he said. “It’s time our own carriers fully benefit from those agreements and claim their rightful place in international aviation.”
The Abuja–London service is expected to enhance travel connectivity, boost competition, and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation presence on the global stage, furthering the administration’s goal of supporting indigenous businesses and expanding economic opportunities.