Keypoints:
- Nigerian airline gains Heathrow access
- Six weekly Lagos–London flights set for winter
- Diplomatic push yields major aviation win
IN a major boost for West Africa’s aviation sector, Nigeria’s largest airline Air Peace has secured landing slots at London Heathrow Airport, paving the way for direct flights between Lagos and the UK’s busiest international gateway.
The move marks a significant upgrade to the airline’s UK operations, which currently serve London through Gatwick Airport. It follows months of intense diplomatic negotiations, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
‘We insisted on our reciprocal rights under the bilateral air agreement,’ said Keyamo. ‘After many months of diplomatic shuttles, we’ve secured these coveted slots for Air Peace.’
Six weekly Heathrow flights from October 2025
According to Airport Coordination Limited (ACL)—the UK slot regulator—Air Peace is listed as a new entrant at Heathrow for the winter 2025–26 season, which begins on October 26, 2025.
The airline has been granted six weekly slots, giving it a strong foundation for high-frequency Lagos–London operations. Initial slot requests had reportedly sought 308 slots—sufficient for twice-daily service—indicating the airline’s ambitions for long-term growth on the route.
Air Peace has not yet published the Heathrow schedule in its booking system, but flights are expected to be operated using the airline’s existing fleet of Boeing 777 widebody aircraft, already deployed on its Lagos–Gatwick route.
Diplomatic victory for Nigerian aviation
The development is being hailed as a diplomatic and commercial victory for Nigeria’s aviation sector. Under the UK–Nigeria Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), both countries are entitled to equal market access. However, Nigerian carriers have historically faced challenges securing prime UK airport slots.
British carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate from Heathrow, while Nigerian airlines have often been restricted to secondary UK airports. The Air Peace breakthrough now levels the playing field and could offer lower fares, more flight options, and greater prestige for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Gatwick service to continue
Air Peace launched its Gatwick–Lagos flights earlier this year, drawing significant attention for offering competitive prices on a heavily trafficked route. With Heathrow slots now secured, industry sources suggest the airline may maintain both UK routes, allowing it to serve both premium and economy travel markets more effectively.
Heathrow’s central location and premium positioning make it a high-demand entry point for international travellers, especially the large Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
Next steps
Air Peace is expected to announce final schedules and fares in the coming months. Its Heathrow entry coincides with a broader push to expand its long-haul network, amid rising demand for direct connections between Africa and major global cities.
The UK route expansion could also bolster Lagos’s position as a regional aviation hub, connecting onward passengers across West Africa.
With confirmed slots and diplomatic backing, Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow signals not just airline growth—but a wider step forward for Nigeria’s ambitions on the international aviation stage.
