Keyamo announced the beginning of the Ashja-London Heathrow Direct of the flight from 26 October

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aerospace and Development, has announced that Air Peace will start a direct flight to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on October 26.

Keyamo made this known in Abuja on Saturday June 21, 2025, in a statement signed by advisors, especially about the media and communication, Mr. Tunde Moshood.

According to him, an important achievement follows a sustainable diplomatic effort by the federal government to uphold reciprocity in an international air travel agreement.

The minister said that the breakthrough was the result of a letter that was very words from the ministry dated August 1, 2024, to the British State Secretary for Transportation, RT. Hon. Louise Haigh.

In the correspondence, Keyamo requires direct allocation of landing slots in Heathrow for air peace or the risk of reciprocal action.

Reciprocal actions, he said, including a potential review of British Airways and access to Virgin Atlantic to Lagos and Abuja airports.

He asserted that Nigeria only confirmed his rights under bilateral air service agreements between the two countries that guarantee reciprocal access and fair treatment for the designated flag carrier.

He said after months of negotiations and diplomatic involvement of the company, the British authorities approved Nigeria’s request, providing a long-awaited heathrow slot heathrow.

Also read: Keyamo revealed the Nigerian airport is more global standards despite this new improvement

“This is not only a victory for air peace, but an important diplomatic milestone for Nigeria.

“This sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing our bilateral agreement and protecting our original commercial operator’s commercial interests,” the Minister said.

Keyamo further emphasized that the step was in line with the new agenda of the President of the Tinubu Bola President who placed high priority to create an environment that made it possible for the Nigerian business to develop globally.

He said that Air Peace had previously launched its first direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, marking the entry of a very competitive British flight market.

According to him, by moving to Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world and the most prestigious, the airline is expected to significantly expand its international footprints and give nigerian travelers comfort and greater connectivity.

“This development marks a new chapter in the Nigerian-UK aviation relationship and set a precedent for stronger enforcement of bilateral agreements to benefit national operators,” Keyamo added.

By: Babajide Okeowo