The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has lauded Air Peace and its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, for achieving a landmark milestone with the successful launch of direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, an accomplishment he described as a defining moment in Nigeria’s aviation history.
Speaking at the grand ceremony in Abuja to mark the airline’s inaugural flight, Keyamo praised Air Peace for its vision, resilience, and patriotism, noting that securing the highly competitive Heathrow slot represents not just a victory for the airline, but a strong statement about the capability of indigenous operators to compete globally.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Ibrahim Hadejia, and other representatives of the Presidency. Keyamo reaffirmed the federal government’s steadfast commitment to supporting local carriers, commending President Bola Tinubu for his foresight and deliberate policies aimed at strengthening indigenous participation in the aviation industry.
“The mandate from Mr. President was clear to support the growth, development, and sustenance of our local entrepreneurs within the aviation sector. Air Peace is the biggest player we have in Nigerian aviation today, and it is the duty of government to support such visionary local businesses”, Keyamo said.
He explained that the realisation of the Abuja–Heathrow route was the product of months of diplomatic negotiation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which led to a fairer bilateral air service framework. According to him, this milestone reflects what can be achieved when government and local entrepreneurs align toward a common goal.
This development comes nearly two years after Air Peace successfully launched its Lagos–London Gatwick service, making it the first Nigerian airline to operate direct flights from both Lagos and Abuja to the United Kingdom.
In his remarks, Keyamo hailed Onyema as “the Oracle himself”, commending his tenacity, patriotism, and unwavering faith in Nigeria. “This is a huge investment, driven by faith in the Nigerian dream”, he said.
“Dr. Onyema’s courage and consistency embody the spirit of true nation-building, and as a government, we will continue to protect and promote businesses like Air Peace that fly the Nigerian flag with pride”.
Keyamo concluded that Air Peace’s success signals a new era for Nigerian aviation—one where indigenous carriers not only match but surpass global standards when given the right support.
With the inauguration of the Abuja–London Heathrow service, Air Peace cements its status as West and Central Africa’s largest airline, reaffirming its mission to connect Nigeria more powerfully with the world.