Air Peace Secures New Heathrow Slots for Flights from Abuja

dailyblitz.de 5 hours ago

LAGOS- In a major milestone for Nigerian aviation, Air Peace (P4) has officially secured landing slots at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airline takes a significant step forward in its international expansion plans.

For Air Peace, getting Heathrow slots wasn’t easy. The move comes after months of intense diplomatic discussions between Nigerian and British aviation authorities. It is being celebrated as both a commercial and diplomatic victory, as the slots have now been acquired.

Air Peace Flights to Heathrow

Air Peace has been eyeing Heathrow for quite some time. The airline launched flights to London Gatwick in March 2024 from Lagos, as Air Nigeria failed to get the slots at Heathrow. However, Heathrow, with its proximity to central London and global hub status, has always been the more desirable destination.

The challenge, however, has always been the limited availability of slots. Heathrow is one of the most slot-constrained airports in the world, and new entrants often face an uphill battle. Despite requesting a larger allocation, Air Peace has been granted six weekly slots beginning October 26, 2025.

These slots will allow the airline to operate four weekly flights from Abuja to Heathrow, alongside its existing three-times-weekly Lagos to Gatwick service. The UK’s Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) officially listed Air Peace as a new entrant to Heathrow in its latest report.

The achievement didn’t come easily. It followed months of negotiation and diplomatic pressure led by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

In August 2024, Keyamo wrote a letter to his British counterpart. He demanded fair treatment for Air Peace under the terms of the bilateral air service agreement between the two countries.

Keyamo warned that failure to grant slots to Air Peace would prompt Nigeria to reconsider the access currently enjoyed by British carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The persistent push paid off.

What This Means for Air Peace

Access to Heathrow solidifies Air Peace’s growing reputation as a serious international player. Since its launch in 2013, the airline has dominated Nigeria’s domestic skies and steadily built a regional and intercontinental network. Its fleet includes Boeing 737s, 777s, and Embraer jets, with more aircraft on order, including Embraer E175s.

The Heathrow service is expected to use Boeing 777 aircraft and cater to the premium long-haul market. The timing, as per the ACL report, seems strategic. It allows Air Peace to compete directly with major global airlines and offer Nigerian travelers a local alternative for long-haul travel.

The airline has also announced other expansion plans. In September 2025, the airline will be launching flights to Antigua and Barbuda.

Air Peace has also secured necessary regulatory approvals to begin operations to destinations including the U.S., UAE, and Senegal. Flights to the U.S. are expected to begin once new aircraft are delivered.

Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow is more than just a commercial achievement. The UK eventually agreed to the slot allocation, and the announcement was met with celebration across Nigeria’s aviation and political sectors.

Bottom Line

Air Peace has faced criticism in the past for operational delays and maintenance issues. Allegations against the airline’s chairman, Allen Onyema, in the U.S. are still unresolved, though he has denied any wrongdoing. Still, the airline continues to modernize its fleet and improve reliability.

Looking ahead, Air Peace has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its momentum. The Heathrow slots are a powerful tool, but sustaining customer trust, operational excellence, and competitive pricing will be key to long-term success.

For Nigeria, this wasn’t just about getting slots — it was a statement about fair competition and the country’s ability to protect its interests on the global stage. It also sets the stage for other Nigerian carriers planning international routes.

Airlines such as United Nigeria Airlines are also preparing to launch flights to destinations like the UK and the U.S. in 2025.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News

Nigeria’s Air Peace Gets Permission to Start New York Flights

The post Air Peace Secures New Heathrow Slots for Flights from Abuja appeared first on Aviation A2Z.

Read Entire Article