Air Peace Airlines has announced that it will commence direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport starting October 26, 2025, following the receipt of a formal grant from British aviation authorities.
Chairman of the airline, Dr. Allen Onyema, made the disclosure during a press conference held in Lagos on Wednesday. He described the approval as a major vote of confidence from the global aviation community in Air Peace’s operational standards and capacity.
According to Onyema, the Abuja–London Heathrow route will operate four times weekly, complementing the airline’s existing Lagos–London Gatwick route, which currently runs three times daily.
The Air Peace boss also revealed further expansion plans, including the addition of Congo, Gabon, and Brazzaville to the airline’s route network before the end of the year. Direct flights to the Caribbean — particularly Antigua in September, followed by Barbados — are also in the pipeline.
Onyema assured the public that Air Peace is increasing its wide-body aircraft fleet, with more Boeing 777s and other aircraft expected soon through dry lease financing. The airline currently has 36 aircraft purchased outright and four under wet lease, with additional aircraft on the way.
“Since May 12, we have posted over 85 percent on-time performance,” he stated, promising enhanced punctuality and customer service in the coming months.
Addressing concerns about flight delays and cancellations, Onyema explained that 94 percent of disruptions were caused by external factors such as adverse weather, bird and animal strikes, poor airport infrastructure, and equipment limitations at local airports.
“In the last five years, we’ve recorded 100 bird strikes. This year alone, we’ve had over 30,” he said.
He also announced that Air Peace would soon resume its China route and other suspended international and regional destinations.
Onyema commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their efforts in improving the business climate in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“The sector has never had it this good,” he said, expressing optimism that the ease of doing business would further strengthen Nigeria’s position in global aviation.
