BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
History returned to Nigeria and global skies on October 26, 2025 as Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, touched down at London Heathrow Airport for its inaugural Abuja–London service, a moment that reignited Nigeria’s presence on one of the world’s most prestigious routes and drew applause from both sides of the Atlantic.
The grand ceremony at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 check-in area shimmered with pride and emotion.
Nigeria’s national colours, absent from Heathrow for over a decade, fluttered once again amid cheers from dignitaries, aviation regulators, diplomats and business leaders from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The event symbolised far more than a new flight connection, it heralded the return of Nigeria’s flag to global skies, a testament to national resilience, ambition, and a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
Mr. Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer of Heathrow Airport, captured the significance of the day in words that drew sustained applause.
“It is a real pleasure to welcome everyone to Heathrow for this truly exciting occasion, the launch of Air Peace’s inaugural service between London and Abuja.
“This is more than a new route; it symbolises a stronger, more connected future between our two nations” he said.
Baker described the development as a milestone for global aviation and a statement of mutual confidence between the two countries.
“Abuja is a vibrant and important destination. Nearly 140,000 passengers travelled between the United Kingdom and Abuja last year alone, and we’re thrilled that this new service will make the connection even stronger,” he noted.
Heathrow’s top executive praised Air Peace for its vision and fortitude, emphasising that operating from one of the world’s busiest and most competitive hubs is a feat only achievable through world-class operational standards.
“We’re proud to have Air Peace join the Heathrow family,” he added. “This partnership deepens connectivity and strengthens socio-economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”
For Air Peace, the day was both emotional and symbolic. The airline’s Executive Director, Ms. Nnenna Onyema, captured the national sentiment with stirring conviction.
“For over a decade, no Nigerian flag carrier operated the London–Abuja route. Today, that silence is broken, our flag flies again,” she declared to thunderous applause.
“As we say back home, Naija no dey carry last. This launch is not just a route opening; it’s a statement that Nigeria is back, stronger, prouder, and ready to compete globally.”
Ms. Onyema reflected on Air Peace’s remarkable transformation from a modest start 11 years ago into West and Central Africa’s largest privately owned airline.
“This operation goes beyond transportation, it is a national statement of confidence and resilience,” she said, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies that are strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry.
She also extended gratitude to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo for fostering an enabling environment that empowers Nigerian airlines to compete on equal terms internationally.
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, described the service as a defining milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history.
“When we began operations in 2014, we dreamed of building a world-class airline Nigerians could truly call their own. That dream has become reality. Today’s launch extends that dream from the heart of Abuja to the heart of London,” she said.
She praised the teamwork and national cooperation that made the milestone possible.
“This achievement shows what’s possible when private enterprise, national leadership, and international collaboration align,” she added.
“Our promise remains clear, to operate safely, reliably, and affordably while flying Nigeria’s flag with pride.”
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, also hailed the launch as a triumph of Nigerian excellence.
“Opening a route into one of the world’s busiest and most competitive airports is no small feat. It reaffirms our nation’s capacity to meet global aviation standards and compete effectively on the world stage,” he said, crediting the Minister’s Five-Point Aviation Agenda for creating a policy environment that supports indigenous airlines to thrive sustainably.
The highlight of the event came with the keynote address by Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who described the development as “a defining moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
“This route between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has existed for almost 90 years, and Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow adds a proud new chapter to that history.
“Air Peace’s success here is not merely a business accomplishment, it is a matter of national pride. It underscores our government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian airlines in achieving full utilisation of their bilateral route rights.”
The Minister praised Air Peace’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, for his courage and patriotic commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation frontier.
“Air Peace’s achievement is proof that with resilience, vision, and government backing, Nigeria can compete globally, and win,” he said, urging more indigenous carriers to emulate the airline’s bold global outlook.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the mood was one of collective triumph.
Guests witnessed the symbolic ribbon-cutting and a resounding ovation as Air Peace’s Boeing 777 prepared for boarding, proudly bearing the Nigerian flag on its tail.
The moment encapsulated the dream of millions, to see Nigeria once again represented on global skies not as a dependent partner but as an equal player.
The Abuja–London route, one of the most strategic and competitive in African aviation, will not only strengthen trade and tourism but also serve as a bridge between families, businesses, and cultures. For many in attendance, it signaled a renewed faith in the capacity of Nigerian enterprise to chart new frontiers.
With Air Peace’s arrival at Heathrow, many say Nigeria’s aviation narrative has taken flight once again, this time, not as a fleeting moment, but as a sustained declaration that the nation’s wings are strong, its spirit unbroken, and its place in the global aviation family secure.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
