Local airline operator Air Peace is set to launch its Abuja-London route soon, announced the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Keyamo disclosed that he has granted approval for Air Peace to expand its London route to include Abuja.
“Just yesterday, I approved Air Peace for the Abuja-London route, not only the Lagos-London route,” Keyamo stated. He emphasized the importance of Air Peace operating to Heathrow Airport instead of Gatwick Airport, stating that Gatwick is just a starting point.
Keyamo revealed that he has been reviewing the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the UK and Nigeria, and decisions would be made at the conclusion of the review.
This decision follows Air Peace’s initiation of direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London on March 30, 2024, in response to the lopsided BASA between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The move has garnered praise from industry observers, encouraging more local airlines to venture into profitable international routes.
The high cost of international flight tickets on the Lagos-London route, which soared to N3.5 million, has been significantly reduced by Air Peace. Offering a return economy class ticket for N1.2 million, Air Peace has compelled foreign airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways to slash their prices to remain competitive.
The entrance of Air Peace into the London route has sparked a price war, with foreign carriers now lowering their prices to stay in business.
Keyamo assured that the government is closely monitoring these developments and will support Air Peace with all federal support possible.
