BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace’s approval to operate scheduled flights into both London Heathrow and London Gatwick has been hailed not merely as a business triumph but as a diplomatic and patriotic milestone for Nigeria.
According to the airline’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, the breakthrough was possible because of the deliberate backing of the United Kingdom government and its diplomatic mission in Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos, Dr. Onyema described the development as “a defining moment for Nigerian aviation,” stressing that no Nigerian carrier has been able to secure such access in the last seven years.
He added: “This achievement is remarkable not just for Air Peace but for the entire country. It reflects resilience on our part, and above all, it shows that when the right partnerships exist, progress becomes inevitable”.
The Air Peace boss reserved glowing praise for the British Deputy High Commissioner to Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, whom he described as a pivotal figure in the process.
“Jonny Baxter is a diplomat par excellence. He embodies the principle of live and let live. He gave us every support needed to commence our UK operations. Because of his efforts and the open-mindedness of the UK authorities, we can proudly say today that Air Peace’s problem is no longer the UK. The UK loves Air Peace, and Air Peace loves the UK in return,” Onyema declared.
Underscoring the warmth of the relationship, Dr. Onyema revealed that the UK Government itself extended the invitation for Air Peace to commence operations into Heathrow — the crown jewel of British aviation.
“The UK government even requested that we forward names of those attending so they could make the necessary arrangements. This shows the extent to which they have welcomed us, and we are profoundly grateful to the UK government, the Civil Aviation Authorities, and the people of the UK for the remarkable hospitality they have extended to Air Peace,” he added.
For him, the gesture goes beyond aviation. It signals renewed trust and partnership between both nations.
“Both countries have come a long way, and this is how it ought to be, a true partnership of respect and shared progress,” he remarked.
Onyema also framed the new routes — Abuja–London Heathrow and Gatwick — as a deliberate response to travelers’ needs, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“We discovered that Abuja travelers prefer not to transit through Lagos for international routes. These new direct flights will remove that burden and serve their needs conveniently. I therefore urge senators, high commissioners, and the entire Abuja community to patronize Air Peace exclusively for flights to London Heathrow,” he urged.
But beyond convenience, Onyema believes this is also a matter of national pride.
He appealed to government officials and Nigerian travelers generally to demonstrate patriotism by choosing Air Peace and other domestic carriers on international routes.
“Our airlines offer competitive fares and seamless service. Supporting them means strengthening Nigeria’s economy and projecting our national pride,” he insisted.
Onyema said that Air Peace’s foray into Heathrow and Gatwick stands as more than an airline expansion, but a flag-raising moment for Nigeria, a blend of diplomacy, commerce, and national pride, powered by a partnership that Onyema insists must be deepened for mutual progress.
