PMinister Festus Keyamo on Sunday announced Nigeria secured a daily Heathrow slot for Air Peace, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting local airlines under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo on Sunday hailed Nigeria’s success in securing a daily flight slot for Air Peace at London’s Heathrow Airport, a milestone achieved after months of diplomatic efforts to enforce Nigeria’s rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). Keyamo, via his X handle, said the slot reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to bolster local airlines, while ensuring they maintain high service standards for passengers.
Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema confirmed the UK’s Airports Coordination Limited allocated the slot, enabling direct Abuja-Heathrow flights starting October 26, 2025, operating three times weekly, with Abuja-Gatwick flights running four times a week. Onyema commended Keyamo and Tinubu for their support. The breakthrough follows Keyamo’s August 2024 threat to restrict British Airways and Virgin Atlantic slots in Nigeria if Air Peace was denied Heathrow access.
Keyamo had argued that since British carriers operate at Nigeria’s primary airports in Lagos and Abuja, Air Peace deserved reciprocal access to Heathrow under BASA. UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh previously cited Air Peace’s late slot request as a barrier, highlighting challenges in the slot coordination process.
The Heathrow slot strengthens Air Peace’s international operations and underscores Nigeria’s push for equitable aviation agreements. Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting all local airlines, marking the achievement as a step toward growing Nigeria’s aviation sector while prioritizing quality service for the public.
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