Air Peace launches direct Abuja–London flights

Air Peace launches direct Abuja–London flights

Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace, has officially commenced direct flights between Abuja and London Heathrow, marking a major expansion in its international operations and boosting connectivity for Nigerian travellers.

The inaugural flight departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday, just months after the airline launched its Lagos–London service in March 2024.

Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, praised the federal government’s support for indigenous airlines, attributing the milestone to responsive leadership under President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.

“This is not just about Air Peace. Every airline in this country has benefited from this regime. When a government is doing what is right, we must speak up,” Onyema said.

He recounted how the aviation ministry swiftly removed certain charges affecting helicopter operators, describing the move as a sign of genuine commitment to the sector.

Onyema called the Abuja–London launch a celebration of patriotism and national pride, urging other operators to acknowledge the government’s efforts.

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In his remarks, Minister Keyamo reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive to support local airlines and reverse the high mortality rate that has plagued Nigeria’s aviation sector for decades.

“In the last 40 years, over 100 airlines have come and gone. We had to dig deep to understand the challenges and give our operators a fair chance,” Keyamo said.

He lamented the imbalance in international air traffic, noting that foreign carriers from nearly every European capital fly into Nigeria daily, while local airlines struggle to reciprocate despite having rights under bilateral air services agreements (BASA).

Keyamo said his ministry’s priority is to build the capacity of Nigerian airlines to compete globally and fully utilise those reciprocal rights.

The Abuja–London route is expected to enhance travel options for Nigerians, reduce dependence on foreign carriers, and strengthen the country’s aviation footprint on the global stage.

Air Peace launches direct Abuja–London flights