Amanze Chinonye
After several months of diplomatic negotiations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has commenced its long-awaited direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport, marking a landmark achievement for the nation’s aviation sector.
The inaugural flight took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, and landed at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) the same evening to a rousing reception. The event was attended by top Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who led the delegation aboard the flight.
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Speaking on the development, Keyamo described the successful launch as “a victory for Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy,” noting that the breakthrough followed months of sustained diplomatic exchanges with his British counterpart to secure a much-coveted Heathrow slot for Air Peace.
“After several months of diplomatic exchanges with my British counterpart, we finally secured the much-coveted Heathrow Airport slot for Air Peace,” Keyamo stated. “This marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s aviation history and reflects President Tinubu’s directive to support indigenous carriers and ensure fair competition on international routes.”
The achievement comes after years of challenges faced by Nigerian airlines seeking access to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports. Under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries, Nigeria had the right to operate flights to Heathrow, but had struggled to secure a viable slot until now.
Air Peace, which already operates Lagos–London Gatwick flights, now becomes the first Nigerian airline to run dual London routes – linking the capital city Abuja directly to Heathrow while maintaining its Lagos service to Gatwick.
The maiden flight, operated with a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft (registration 5N-CEG), departed Abuja on schedule and touched down at Heathrow at 16:57 local time, according to data from aerospace tracking platforms.
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The aircraft was given a ceremonial water salute on arrival, signifying the official commencement of the new service.
Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, hailed the milestone as “a dream realized” and thanked the federal government for its diplomatic backing.
“This is more than a new route – it is a renewed declaration of Nigeria’s presence in global aviation,” Onyema said. “Air Peace is determined to give Nigerians a world-class travel experience while enhancing connectivity, trade, and tourism between both nations.”
The Abuja–Heathrow route will operate three times weekly, complementing the Lagos–Gatwick schedule. According to industry observers, the development is expected to reduce ticket costs, boost tourism, and stimulate economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, especially among the diaspora community.
Aviation analysts also note that the entry of Air Peace into Heathrow represents a strategic win against the long-standing dominance of British carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic on the lucrative Nigeria–UK corridor.
The move aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader policy to empower indigenous airlines and rebalance international aviation access, ensuring Nigeria benefits more from its air service agreements.
With this historic flight, Nigeria joins a select group of African nations whose flag carriers now operate scheduled services into London Heathrow, a global hub long considered the pinnacle of international aviation connectivity.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
