Nigeria’s flagship carrier Air Peace marked a historic leap in its international expansion on Sunday with the inaugural direct flight from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to London’s Heathrow, solidifying its position as a global contender and signaling a diplomatic win for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying 250 passengers, touched down at Heathrow after a seven-hour journey, following a celebratory send-off in Abuja attended by airline executives, government officials, and supporters. Air Peace Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema, joined by his wife Alice and board members including Barr. Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Engr. Benedict Adeyileka, hailed the achievement as proof that Nigerian carriers can thrive globally when supported by enabling policies.

“This success stems from government listening to our people’s yearnings,” Onyema said, crediting President Bola Tinubu’s administration for clearing regulatory hurdles that paved the way for the route.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), who led negotiations for the Heathrow slot under Nigeria’s bilateral air services agreement (BASA), described the launch as a “strategic leap” connecting Nigeria’s capital to “Europe’s connecting hub.” Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia praised Air Peace’s “patriotism and resilience,” while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu added, “When government clears the runway, the private sector takes flight.”

The Abuja–Heathrow route, operational from October 26, follows Air Peace’s successful Lagos–Gatwick launch in March 2024, which slashed fares by 30% and boosted passenger traffic by 25%. The new route offers seamless connections from cities like Enugu and Kano via Abuja, opening access to Heathrow’s extensive global network across the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean.

“It’s about accessibility and affordability,” Onyema said, noting that round-trip fares start at ₦650,000—roughly 20% lower than competitors.

The launch comes amid a revival in Nigeria’s aviation sector, which recorded 25 million passengers last year, a 15% increase. It also aligns with President Tinubu’s push for indigenous dominance in strategic industries. Keyamo emphasized that the move fulfills long-underutilized BASA rights, though industry stakeholders caution that forex constraints and infrastructure gaps at local airports remain pressing concerns.

“Great optics, but we need steady dollars and runway upgrades to compete,” said Obiora Okonkwo of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, who also backs Air Peace.