Nigeria’s Flag Returns to London Heathrow as Air Peace Renews Flight Service
A new chapter in Nigeria’s aviation history unfolded at London Heathrow Airport on Sunday, as West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, officially launched its Abuja–London Heathrow service, marking the triumphant return of Nigeria’s national colours to one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports after more than a decade.
The inaugural ceremony, held at Terminal 3’s check-in area, was a vibrant affair graced by top dignitaries from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Among those in attendance were senior government officials, diplomats, aviation regulators, business executives, and strategic partners, all gathered to witness what many described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The event featured speeches, goodwill messages, and a symbolic ribbon-cutting, underscoring the significance of the new route in deepening trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Welcoming the guests, Mr. Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow Airport, described the new Air Peace service as “a truly exciting development” that will strengthen connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“It is a real pleasure to welcome everyone to Heathrow for this momentous occasion – the launch of Air Peace’s inaugural service between London and Abuja,” Baker said. “This is more than a new route; it symbolises a stronger, more connected future between our two nations.”
He congratulated Air Peace for becoming part of the Heathrow family, noting that the route recorded nearly 140,000 passengers in the past year, reflecting robust demand for direct travel between the two capitals.
Speaking with visible pride, Ms. Nnenna Onyema, Executive Director of Air Peace, hailed the launch as a resounding reaffirmation of Nigeria’s aviation resurgence.
“For over a decade, no Nigerian flag carrier operated the London–Abuja route. Today, that silence is broken – our flag flies again,” she declared to thunderous applause. “As we say back home, Naija no dey carry last. This launch is not just a route opening; it’s a statement that Nigeria is back – stronger, prouder, and ready to compete globally.”
Ms. Onyema reflected on the airline’s remarkable growth over the past eleven years, evolving from humble beginnings into West and Central Africa’s largest privately owned carrier, boasting a fleet of over 30 aircraft and expanding operations across multiple continents.
“This operation goes beyond transportation – it is a national statement of confidence and resilience,” she added, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s progressive aviation reforms, and to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, for creating an enabling environment that allows Nigerian carriers to thrive.
In her remarks, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, described the launch as a defining milestone for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation journey.
“When we began operations in 2014, we dreamed of building a world-class airline Nigerians could truly call their own. That dream has become reality,” she said. “Today’s launch extends that dream from the heart of Abuja to the heart of London.”
Mrs. Olajide thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria, UK aviation authorities, and Air Peace’s dedicated workforce for their collaboration and support.
“This milestone reflects what can be achieved when private enterprise, national leadership, and international cooperation align,” she affirmed. “Our promise remains clear – to operate safely, reliably, and affordably while flying Nigeria’s flag with pride.”
In a goodwill message, Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), described Air Peace’s successful entry into Heathrow as “a triumph of Nigerian excellence and resilience.”
“Opening a route into one of the world’s busiest and most competitive airports is no small feat,” he said. “It reaffirms our nation’s capacity to meet global aviation standards and compete effectively on the world stage.”
Capt. Najomo credited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s Five-Point Aviation Agenda, which has strengthened regulatory frameworks and fostered the sustainable growth of indigenous airlines.
Delivering the keynote address, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, commended Air Peace for once again elevating Nigeria’s status in international aviation.
“This route between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has existed for almost 90 years, and Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow adds a proud new chapter to that history,” he said. “Air Peace’s success here is not merely a business accomplishment – it is a matter of national pride. It underscores our government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian airlines in achieving full utilisation of their bilateral route rights.”
Keyamo applauded the airline’s determination and professionalism, noting that its success “demonstrates that Nigeria can compete globally – and win.”
The Abuja–London route is more than just a commercial connection; it represents a bridge of opportunity and collaboration between Africa’s most populous nation and one of Europe’s key economic centres.
With this new service, Air Peace has not only expanded Nigeria’s international reach but also revived a sense of national pride long missing from global aviation corridors.
As passengers boarded the inaugural flight, the atmosphere at Heathrow was charged with emotion – pride, optimism, and the collective hope that this moment signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
For Air Peace, it was the culmination of a vision years in the making; for Nigeria, it was the return of its flag to global skies – bolder, brighter, and full of promise.
