Air Peace Limited on Sunday launched its first-ever direct flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to the London Heathrow Airport, marking a historic step in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This development was announced in a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and issued in Abuja on Sunday.
According to the statement, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led a group of distinguished passengers aboard the inaugural flight.
“The flight took off this morning, Sunday, October 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive this evening in London, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“You will recall that the minister has been at the forefront of securing the explicit reciprocity of air-service rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“While dispatching a letter dated August 1, 2024, to his British counterpart, Louise Haigh, UK Secretary of State for Transport, the Minister insisted that a Nigerian carrier be granted landing rights at London Gatwick and the coveted Heathrow slot.”
At the Abuja airport before departure, Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, commended Minister Keyamo for his decisive intervention in ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian airlines.
Onyema urged local operators to recognize the government’s support for the aviation industry.
“I could remember when Customs brought in a four per cent FOB charge for our imports, the aviation operators, we went to the Minister, and he stepped into it immediately. He took the matter to the Finance Minister and to Customs.
“Today, within one week, the four per cent FOB has been removed for Nigerian airlines. I will support and applaud this government. The government listens to aspirations of people, the complaints and challenges of the people.
“When Nigerian helicopter-airline owners cry to the minister about a certain charge, he removes it on the spot to make life very simple for these airlines. So it’s not just about Air Peace.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Festus Keyamo emphasized that the achievement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s directive to strengthen and empower local carriers to compete globally.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s aviation sector has faced a high mortality rate for decades.
“Over 100 airlines have come and gone. Concord, Belview, Sosoliso, Chanchangi—name them. So we had a clear mandate to ensure that we support the growth, sustenance, and competitiveness of our local operators.
“If you destroy the private sector in your country, you destroy the country. Every good economy thrives on the wealth and well-being of the private sector,” he said.
