LAGOS – The Federal Government has secured a slot for Air Peace at the lucrative London Heathrow Airport. With this, the airline has unveiled plans to commence direct flight services from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja to London Heathrow Airport from October 26, 2025. This landmark achievement follows sustained diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements. A statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the breakthrough comes in the wake of a strongly worded letter dated August 1, 2024, written by the minister to Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport. The statement hinted that Keyamo had demanded the immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace or risk reciprocal action, including a potential review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Lagos and Abuja airports. Keyamo in the statement reiterated that Nigeria was only asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations, which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for designated flag carriers. After months of negotiations and firm diplomatic engagement, the UK authorities acceded to Nigeria’s demand, granting Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot. Keyamo insisted that the approval of the slot was not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria. According to him, this sent a clear message that Nigeria was serious about enforcing the terms of its bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of indigenous carriers. He further emphasized that the move aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places high priority on creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to thrive globally. He said: “My dear compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights under our BASA, we are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, Air Peace.” Air Peace had earlier launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, marking its entry into the highly competitive UK aviation market. With the move to Heathrow—one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports—the airline is expected to significantly expand its international footprint and provide Nigerian travellers with greater convenience and connectivity. This development marks a new chapter in Nigeria-UK aviation relations and sets a precedent for stronger enforcement of bilateral agreements to benefit national carriers.