The Federal Authorities has secured a touchdown slot at Heathrow Airport in London for Air Peace following months of diplomatic negotiations underneath the Bilateral Air Providers Settlement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Improvement, Festus Keyamo, by way of his official X (previously Twitter) account.
Keyamo described the event as a major diplomatic milestone that displays Nigeria’s dedication to making sure truthful and reciprocal therapy for its native carriers on worldwide routes.
He defined that the slot allocation was the results of sustained diplomatic engagement by the Nigerian authorities to implement the nation’s rights underneath the prevailing BASA framework. The minister added that the transfer aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes help for indigenous companies whereas sustaining world service requirements.
“My pricey compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights underneath our Bilateral Air Providers Settlement, we’re happy to announce that Nigeria has lastly secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one in every of our flag carriers, Air Peace,” Keyamo’s submit acknowledged.
This growth comes greater than a yr after Air Peace formally launched its Lagos–London route by way of Gatwick Airport on March 30, 2024, having initially sought entry to Heathrow.
When Air Peace launched its Lagos–London service to Gatwick Airport in March 2024, it disrupted the market by providing considerably decrease fares. Financial system class tickets had been priced from N1.2 million, in comparison with the N3–5 million sometimes charged by overseas airways. Enterprise class seats had been equally aggressive, beginning at N4.5 million, making premium journey extra accessible to Nigerian passengers.
By December 2024, the airline additional broadened its service by accommodating passengers touring from Chinua Achebe Worldwide Airport in Umueri, Anambra State, providing one other gateway for Southeastern vacationers heading to London.
The Heathrow slot now positions Air Peace for higher visibility and entry inside one of many world’s busiest worldwide hubs, additional solidifying its function as Nigeria’s main flag provider on the worldwide stage.
