Nigeria has successfully secured a slot at London's Heathrow Airport for Air Peace, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country's aviation sector, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced on Saturday.
The breakthrough comes after months of diplomatic negotiations to enforce Nigeria's rights under the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between both countries.
Diplomatic Milestone for Nigerian Aviation
In a statement shared on his X account, Keyamo described the development as a major diplomatic victory that reflects Nigeria's commitment to ensuring fair and reciprocal treatment for its local carriers on international routes.
"My dear compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights under our Bilateral Air Services Agreement, we are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, Air Peace," Keyamo stated.
According to the minister, this achievement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes support for indigenous businesses while maintaining global service standards.
Direct Flights from Abuja to London Heathrow
The new arrangement will enable Air Peace to operate direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport starting from October 2025. This development follows the airline's inaugural flight to London Gatwick Airport from Lagos, which commenced in March 2024.
Securing a slot at Heathrow, one of the world's busiest and most prestigious airports, represents a significant upgrade for the Nigerian carrier and potentially opens new opportunities for improved connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The achievement comes after Air Peace had been seeking regulatory approval for the Heathrow route for several months, highlighting the Nigerian government's persistent diplomatic efforts to expand opportunities for domestic airlines in international markets.
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