Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Sunday led a team of dignitaries and passengers in the ceremonial send-off of the inaugural Air Peace direct flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to London Heathrow Airport.
The historic flight, which departed on Sunday morning, is expected to land in London later in the day—marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation industry and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s international air connectivity.
Breaking Barriers in Bilateral Air Services
The successful commencement of the Abuja–London route follows months of diplomatic engagement led by Minister Keyamo, who championed the reciprocal enforcement of air-service rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
In a letter dated August 1, 2024, addressed to Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Keyamo insisted that Nigerian carriers should be granted not only landing rights at London Gatwick Airport but also access to the prestigious Heathrow slots—previously dominated by foreign airlines.
Air Peace Commends Government’s Support
Allen Onyeama, Chairman of Air Peace, lauded the Minister’s proactive interventions in tackling policy bottlenecks affecting Nigerian airlines.
“I remember when Customs introduced a 4% FOB charge on aviation imports. We approached the Honourable Minister, and he immediately took up the issue. Within a week, the charge was removed for Nigerian airlines,” Onyeama recalled.
“When government listens to the concerns of its citizens and businesses, progress follows. The Minister’s prompt response to industry challenges—whether for Air Peace or helicopter operators—shows real leadership. Every Nigerian airline should acknowledge the support this administration has given.”
Government’s Mandate for Local Airline Growth
Minister Keyamo attributed the achievement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that Nigerian carriers be empowered to thrive and compete globally.
“The mortality rate of Nigerian airlines has been alarmingly high—over 100 have come and gone in four decades. With the President’s clear mandate, we set out to reverse that trend by supporting the growth and competitiveness of local operators,” he said.
He further underscored the crucial role of private enterprise in national development:
“If you destroy your private sector, you destroy your country. Every strong economy is built on a vibrant private sector—the biggest employer of labour and the true engine of growth. Our goal is to give Nigerian airlines the capacity and leverage to compete fairly.”
A New Chapter in Nigerian Aviation
Highlighting the symbolic importance of the new route, Keyamo added:
“For nearly 90 years, international airlines have operated to and from Nigeria, but our carriers lacked access and capacity under the same BASA rights. Today, that narrative changes.”
The Minister emphasized that the new Abuja–London Heathrow service represents Nigeria’s renewed commitment to strengthening air transport links, boosting local aviation infrastructure, and positioning Nigerian flag carriers as global competitors.