Nigerian carrier Air Peace will begin direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport on October 26, 2025, marking a major breakthrough in the country’s push for reciprocity in international aviation agreements.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
According to Moshood, the development follows months of firm diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government. A pivotal moment came in August 2024, when Minister Keyamo issued a strongly worded letter to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, demanding landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace or risk reciprocal restrictions on British carriers operating in Nigeria.
Keyamo emphasized that Nigeria was merely asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which mandates equal treatment and access for designated flag carriers.
After sustained negotiations, UK authorities granted Air Peace the long-sought Heathrow slots.
“This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic achievement for Nigeria,” Keyamo said. “It sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of Nigerian airlines.”
Air Peace launched its first UK route from Lagos to London Gatwick in March 2024. The move to Heathrow—one of the world’s busiest international airports—is expected to boost the airline’s global reach and offer Nigerian travellers improved access and convenience.
