Air Peace to launch London flights from Gateway airport
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and a leading carrier in West Africa, has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Gateway International Airport to London this summer.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this during an interview with journalists after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun. The visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate flights connecting the airport to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, marking a significant milestone for Ogun State’s aviation sector.
He praised the state government for delivering a world-class aviation facility, describing the airport as one of the best-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Onyema noted that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards, highlighting its 4-kilometre runway capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. He added that Air Peace plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route.
He also revealed that he had received approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the project as a national asset rather than a purely state initiative.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun announced plans to expand the airport’s ecosystem with an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel to boost business and tourism.
He further disclosed that cargo operations have commenced with Allied Air, with Ethiopian Airlines and another European carrier expected to begin services soon, while Gateway Airlines—equipped with two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft—will enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
