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| Chairmen of Air Peace, Allen Onyema (2nd right) and other dignitaries cut both the 11th anniversary cake and milestones of the airline before take off to Heathrow |
By Rose Moses
Air Peace on Sunday, October 26, 2025, officially launched its direct flight service between Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and London’s Heathrow Airport, marking a significant milestone in Nigerian aviation.
The inaugural flight took off on Sunday morning from Abuja, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, leading passengers and dignitaries on the journey. The flight was scheduled to touch down in London by evening of the same day.
It would be recalled that in a strategic move to boost local airlines, Minister Keyamo had earlier written to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, on August 1, 2024, requesting landing rights for Nigerian carriers at both Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
Keyamo emphasized that this achievement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to empower domestic airlines to compete and flourish.
“For over 40 years, Nigeria’s aviation sector has witnessed the rise and fall of more than 100 airlines,” he noted. “We have worked hard to tackle the challenges facing local operators and to provide the support needed for their growth and survival.”
He highlighted the vital role of the private sector in economic development, stating, “Destroying the private sector is equivalent to destroying the country. The private sector drives employment and growth.”
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| Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and other dignitaries making their way to the aircraft before take off |
Keyamo revealed that despite Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) granting landing rights, local carriers lacked the capacity and slots at Heathrow, an issue now resolved with this historic flight, and at a cheaper ticket fare for passengers, as Air Peace fare for the trip is far less than what Nigerian passengers pay for same trip on other existing airlines.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyeama reiterated the same statement and praised the minister’s proactive interventions, recalling, also, efforts to eliminate a 4% FOB charge that burdened aviation imports. “This government listens and acts swiftly on the concerns of the people and the industry. It’s not just Air Peace benefiting but all Nigerian airlines,” Onyeama said.
He explains: “I could remember when the Customs brought in a 4% FOB charge for our imports; aviation operators, we went to the Minister and he stepped into it immediately.
“He took the matter to the Finance Minister and to Customs and within one week, the 4% FOB was removed for Nigerian airlines. So, tell me why I will not support or applaud this government?
“This government has proven that it listens to the yearnings and aspirations of the people, the complaints and challenges of the people, and that is what we need. When Nigerian helicopter-airline owners cried to the minister about a certain charge, he removed it on the spot to make life very easy for these airlines. So it’s not just about Air Peace”.
According to the airline, this new nonstop service epitomizes the government’s commitment to reviving Nigeria’s aviation sector and expanding the global reach of its local airlines.
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu similarly described the launch of Abuja–London Heathrow direct flight route a milestone of national significance.
According to him, Air Peace has through the achievement, restored Nigeria’s full presence in one of the world’s busiest air corridors, thus affirming that when given the right policy environment, Nigerian enterprises can compete and triumph on the global stage.
He described the moment as also personal to him, stressing a shared friendship with the Air Peace boss, who he ascribed as “a man whose story is as remarkable as it is inspiring.” The friendship he further explained is built on shared beliefs - faith in Nigeria, the dignity of labour, and the power of enterprise to drive peace and inclusion.
Kalu said: “Allen has, over the years, been a strong supporter of the initiatives I have championed, particularly the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), an initiative dedicated to rebuilding trust, restoring hope, and unlocking the vast potential of our region through non-kinetic peace strategies. He has been there quietly, passionately, always translating conviction into action.
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| Allen Onyema leads the milestone |
“That is the Allen Onyema I know: a patriot who invests not just in planes, but in people; not only in profit, but in purpose.” Showering more accolades, he added that Onyema is a perfect blend of humility and audacity; an entrepreneur whose journey mirrors Nigeria’s own, rising, resilient, and ready to redefine its place in the skies.
Kalu also argued that the latest achievement being celebrated that day, underscores the philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, whose administration, he said, has proven that when government clears the runway, the private sector can take flight.
“Indeed, the success of this route is the result of visionary leadership at the top, embodied by the President and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, whose consistent advocacy dismantled bottlenecks and secured Nigeria’s slots at Heathrow against long-standing international monopolies,” he said.
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| Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo aboard the aircraft ready for take off |
Among other things, Kalu maintained that Air Peace’s presence at Heathrow was a metaphor for a new Nigeria taking its rightful seat among nations. “It shows that stability, innovation, and patriotism still hold the keys to national greatness,” he concluded.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima was his chief of staff who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of his boss and government, praying also that the wings of Air Peace and it’s management will continue to lift the hopes of the people.
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