The Federal Government has successfully secured a coveted landing slot at London Heathrow Airport for Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading indigenous airline. This development follows months of intense diplomatic negotiations under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The announcement was made public on June 21, 2025, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who described the milestone as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring fair and reciprocal treatment for its carriers on international routes.
Air Peace had initially launched its Lagos–London service via Gatwick Airport in March 2024, offering significantly lower fares than competitors and expanding connectivity from seven additional Nigerian cities. However, the airline had long sought access to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest international hubs, to enhance its visibility and convenience for passengers.
The UK’s slot allocator, Airports Coordination Limited (ACL), had previously denied Heathrow slots to Air Peace, citing late applications and capacity constraints. The Nigerian government’s sustained diplomatic engagement, including warnings to restrict UK carriers’ access to Nigerian airports, was pivotal in reversing this decision.
Starting October 2025, Air Peace will operate flights from Abuja to Heathrow, marking a significant expansion of its international footprint and reinforcing its role as Nigeria’s flag carrier on the global stage.
This breakthrough not only benefits Nigerian travellers with improved access and competitive fares but also signals Nigeria’s growing influence in international aviation diplomacy.
