Nigeria Secures Heathrow Slot for Air Peace, Boosting Aviation Diplomacy

Nigeria has secured a coveted slot at London’s Heathrow Airport for Air Peace, the country’s leading airline, following intense diplomatic negotiations with the United Kingdom. The breakthrough, announced on June 22, ends months of denials by UK authorities and marks a significant victory for Nigeria’s aviation sector under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

Air Peace, which began Lagos-London flights in March 2024, will launch Abuja-Heathrow services in October 2025, operating three weekly flights. The slot, previously restricted due to Heathrow’s congestion, was granted after Nigeria threatened to revoke British Airways’ slots at Lagos and Abuja. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo led the talks, emphasizing reciprocity in BASA terms, which allow equal access for designated carriers. Air Peace’s CEO, Allen Onyema, hailed the deal as a milestone, projecting 200,000 annual passengers and 1,000 jobs.

The agreement strengthens Nigeria’s aviation hub ambitions, with Air Peace competing against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow. Industry analysts note that the slot, valued at $50 million annually, could boost Nigeria’s forex earnings, amid a $2 billion aviation sector contribution to GDP. 

Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, celebrates the move as a diplomatic win, though some urge Air Peace to maintain competitive fares. The FG pledged to support Air Peace’s expansion, eyeing routes to New York and Dubai by 2026.