The United Kingdom aviation authorities have finally granted Air Peace the approval to fly directly to Heathrow Airport.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo confirmed the development on Saturday evening.
There had been controversy over the refusal of the aviation authorities in the UK to grant Air Peace permit to fly to Heathrow.
Since it commenced operations in March 2024 to the UK, the airline has been flying to Gatwick, another popular airport in the UK.
Keyamo had threatened to restrict British Airways flights in Nigeria over the refusal of the aviation authorities in the UK to allow Air Peace operate to Heathrow.
He argued that since the British carriers – British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – were given Nigeria’s primary airports – the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; the UK Government should also allow Air Peace to fly to Heathrow in line with the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).
In a letter, the Minister decried the persistent denial of Air Peace a slot in Heathrow despite efforts made by the airline.
Keyamo warned in the letter dated August 1, 2024 that if Air Peace is not allocated a space at London Heathrow, Nigeria will be forced to “reciprocate” by denying British Airways and Virgin Atlantic slots at the Lagos and Abuja airports.
Addressing the Nigerian government’s displeasure in a letter dated September 5, 2024, Louise Haigh, the UK secretary of state for transport said Air Peace could not secure slots at Heathrow Airport because the domestic airline submitted its request after the slot coordination process had concluded for each season.
“ACL report Air Peace sent late requests for slots for the Summer 2024 season and the Winter 2024/2025 season; their requests were received after the slot coordination process had concluded for each season,” Haigh wrote.
“Carriers can ensure they are in the best position to receive any available slots by following the correct processes.”
In a tweet on his verified ‘X’ page on Saturday, Keyamo said: “My dear compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights under our Bilateral Air Services Agreement, we are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, @flyairpeace
“We are committed to offering similar support to all our local operators, which is one of the focal points of the Renewed Hope Agenda of @officialABAT
“We are also committed to ensuring that whilst we support their businesses to grow, we hold them to the highest standards in terms of delivering quality services to the flying public.”
The Nation learnt Air Peace Chairman, Mr. Allen Onyema, plans to commence direct flight operations from Abuja to Heathrow with effect from October 26, 2025.
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