History was made at Heathrow Airport as West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, officially launched its Abuja–London Heathrow service, symbolizing the long-awaited return of Nigeria’s national colours to one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs after more than ten years.
The colourful ceremony, held at Terminal 3’s check-in area, drew top dignitaries from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN, CON), senior UK officials, diplomats, business leaders, aviation regulators, and members of the Nigerian community.
The event was widely hailed as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry, underscoring national resilience, government reform, and the growing strength of indigenous enterprise.
Heathrow Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, Mr. Ross Baker, described the launch as “a moment of pride and progress,” noting that the new route will deepen connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He praised Air Peace’s “strategic vision and determination,” calling its successful entry into the highly competitive Heathrow Airport “bold and historic.” “This is more than just a new route — it’s the beginning of a stronger and more connected future between Nigeria and the UK,” Baker remarked.
Representing the airline, Ms. Nnenna Onyema, Executive Director of Air Peace, described the moment as “a powerful reaffirmation of Nigeria’s aviation resurgence.”
“For over a decade, no Nigerian flag carrier has operated the London–Abuja route. Today, that silence ends — our flag flies again,” she declared to applause. Onyema recounted the airline’s rise from humble beginnings 11 years ago to its position as a leading West African carrier with a fleet of over 30 aircraft, adding that this milestone represents national pride and perseverance. She extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing aviation-friendly reforms and to Minister Festus Keyamo for ensuring fair competition for Nigerian airlines on international routes.
Keyamo: A Defining Chapter in Nigeria’s Aviation Story
Delivering his keynote address, Minister Festus Keyamo described the event as “a defining chapter in Nigeria’s aviation story.”
“This route between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has existed for nearly 90 years, and Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow adds a proud new page to that legacy,” he said. Keyamo emphasized that Air Peace’s success demonstrates the global competitiveness of Nigerian carriers when supported by sound policies and government backing. He credited months of diplomatic negotiations that paved the way for equitable bilateral air service agreements between both nations.
Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, described the new Abuja–Heathrow service as “a dream fulfilled.”
“When we started operations in 2014, we aspired to build a world-class airline Nigerians could call their own. Today, that dream has taken flight — connecting Abuja directly to the heart of London,” she said. She thanked the Federal Government, UK aviation authorities, and the Air Peace team for making what once seemed impossible a reality, emphasizing that the airline remains committed to safe, reliable, and proudly Nigerian service.
The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the development as “a triumph of Nigerian excellence,” applauding the Ministry of Aviation’s reform agenda for enabling such feats.
With the Abuja–London Heathrow route now active — following the successful Lagos–London Gatwick launch — Air Peace becomes the first Nigerian airline to operate direct flights from both Abuja and Lagos to the United Kingdom.
The milestone, applauded by both Nigerian and British stakeholders, reaffirms Nigeria’s re-emergence in global aviation and celebrates the nation’s growing capacity to compete and thrive internationally. “Air Peace’s arrival at Heathrow isn’t just about air travel — it’s about connecting people, strengthening economies, and celebrating the enduring partnership between the UK and Nigeria.”
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