The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s aviation sector, with Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo heralding Air Peace’s forthcoming operations at London Heathrow as a milestone in lowering fares and enhancing competition on the lucrative Lagos-London route.
The airline is set to commence flights to Heathrow on 26 October, marking a significant step in the government’s strategy to empower domestic carriers and reduce the financial burden on Nigerian travellers.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News Prime Time, Keyamo underscored the importance of securing Heathrow slots for Air Peace, describing the route as one of Nigeria’s most critical international air corridors.
“We recognised the necessity of having one of our flag carriers operate on this route to foster healthy competition,” he said. “For too long, Nigerians have faced exorbitant ticket prices, and as a government, we could not stand by while our airlines struggled unaided.”
The minister highlighted that while Air Peace had previously secured access to London Gatwick, Heathrow’s superior global connectivity made it the more strategic hub. “Heathrow is the primary gateway for worldwide connections—far more so than Gatwick,” he explained. “This development means Nigerian passengers can now travel seamlessly to destinations across the globe via Air Peace’s interline agreements with other international carriers.”
Keyamo revealed that the Heathrow slots were secured after sustained diplomatic negotiations, a move expected to further reduce fares on the Lagos-London route. Beyond cost savings, the arrangement will enable Nigerian airlines to forge stronger partnerships with foreign operators, enhancing their global footprint.
“Even if Air Peace does not fly directly to the United States, passengers can now be smoothly transferred to partner airlines without the hassle of rechecking luggage,” he noted.
Addressing broader challenges in the aviation sector, Keyamo acknowledged persistent issues such as flight delays and cancellations but stressed that the government’s priority was to strengthen local airlines rather than penalise them.
“Shutting down operators would only create chaos,” he said. “Our focus is on expanding their capacity and ensuring they meet international standards.” He pointed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) consumer protection measures, including mandatory refunds and compensations for affected passengers, as evidence of regulatory oversight.
The minister also outlined forthcoming initiatives to support the industry, including a landmark dry lease agreement that will significantly reduce aircraft leasing costs for domestic carriers. “In less than two weeks, we will announce a major deal—something Nigerian airlines have not secured in nearly two decades,” he disclosed. “This will pave the way for more affordable leasing options, ultimately driving down fares for passengers.”
Keyamo further highlighted Nigeria’s recent success in securing international digital flight routes and teased the upcoming Nigerian International Airshow in December, which will showcase the sector’s potential to global stakeholders. For the first time, the Nigerian Air Force will participate, alongside displays from international airlines, in what the minister described as a demonstration of the country’s aviation ambitions.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the sector, Keyamo emphasised that the Tinubu administration’s approach was rooted in integrity and accountability. “We are determined to build an aviation industry that serves the best interests of Nigerians,” he said. “From reducing fares to improving connectivity, our policies are designed to ensure that local airlines thrive on the global stage.”
As Air Peace prepares to take off for Heathrow, the move stands as a testament to the government’s broader strategy—leveraging diplomatic and commercial efforts to reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry for long-term growth and competitiveness.
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