Nigeria’s Air Peace airline has successfully secured a direct flight slot at London Heathrow Airport, set to begin operations on October 26, 2025. This milestone comes after persistent diplomatic negotiations by the Nigerian government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday. According to Moshood, the breakthrough followed a formal request sent by Minister Keyamo to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, on August 1, 2024. The letter demanded the immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace, warning that failure to comply could lead to reciprocal measures, including a review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Nigerian airports in Lagos and Abuja.
The letter emphasized Nigeria’s right to assert its interests under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries. This agreement guarantees reciprocal access and equitable treatment for designated flag carriers, a principle Nigeria sought to enforce through this diplomatic engagement.
After several months of discussions, UK authorities eventually acquiesced to Nigeria’s request, granting Air Peace the coveted Heathrow slot.
“This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria,” Keyamo stated. “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.”
Air Peace, which previously launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, is now expanding its footprint by entering one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports, Heathrow. The move is expected to enhance the airline’s global presence and offer Nigerian travelers more convenience and greater connectivity to the UK and beyond.
The new Heathrow route marks a strategic leap for Air Peace, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in global aviation and its commitment to fostering competition in the international market.