BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace Limited has etched another milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history with the official launch of its maiden direct flight from Abuja to London’s Heathrow Airport, a feat that strengthens the country’s global aviation footprint and accentuates the growing influence of indigenous carriers.
The festive event at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, turned the check-in area into a vibrant sea of colours, music, and excitement.
Passengers were treated to branded souvenirs and celebratory giveaways as Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size marked the inaugural service to one of the world’s busiest international gateways.
Present at the flag-off were Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema; Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Onyema; board members Barr. Emeka Ngige, Mrs. Ekaette Monsuru, Engineer Benedict Adeyileka, and Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.
The ceremony also drew top government officials, aviation regulators, and diplomats who hailed the feat as a major leap for Nigeria’s air transport industry.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the achievement as the outcome of “intensive diplomatic engagements” that secured the coveted Heathrow slot for Air Peace.
“This connection to the capital of Europe opens new opportunities for Nigerian travellers and demonstrates our commitment to reciprocity and fair access under the bilateral air services agreement,” he said.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, congratulated Air Peace on behalf of the Federal Government, saying the new route would enhance competition, improve service quality, and make fares more affordable.
“Air Peace has shown patriotism, resilience and vision. This achievement reflects the President’s enabling policies that continue to empower local players in aviation”, he stated.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, speaking on behalf of the 10th National Assembly, said the development epitomises the synergy between government support and private-sector enterprise.
“When government clears the runway, the private sector takes flight,” he declared, describing Onyema as “a shining example of entrepreneurship, integrity, and service.”
In his address, Dr. Onyema expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Aviation Minister, and all stakeholders who helped make the landmark possible.
“This is a victory for Nigeria, a demonstration that with vision, discipline, and patriotism, local investment can compete globally,” he said.
He noted that the Heathrow route will link Nigerians not only to London but to wider destinations across Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
“The government must continue to support, not stifle, indigenous aviation enterprises,” Onyema added.
The Abuja–Heathrow flight, effective October 26, 2025, comes seven months after Air Peace successfully launched its Lagos–London Gatwick service in March 2024.
With this expansion, the airline becomes the first Nigerian carrier to operate direct flights from the nation’s capital to Heathrow, marking a new era in Nigeria’s international connectivity.
Beyond aviation, the launch signifies broader economic opportunity, from tourism to trade and reinforces Air Peace’s role as a national asset driving regional integration and job creation.
With seamless ticketing options across multiple Nigerian cities via Abuja, passengers can now connect to the world through Heathrow with ease.
As jubilant travellers boarded the inaugural flight, waving miniature Nigerian flags and taking selfies beneath Air Peace banners, many said Nigeria’s aviation sector is on the rise.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
