Air Peace Set to Launch Abuja-Heathrow Flights, Boosting Nigeria-UK Connectivity

 Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, is poised to commence direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, with an official launch date of August 1, 2025, announced by the airline’s CEO Allen Onyema on July 20, 2025. 

The new route, adding to the existing Lagos-Heathrow service, will operate four weekly flights using a Boeing 777-300ER, accommodating 326 passengers. The move aims to enhance travel options for business and leisure travelers, reducing reliance on foreign carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, which currently dominate the route with fares averaging $1,200 one-way.

The decision follows Air Peace’s successful Lagos-Heathrow launch in 2024, which cut fares by 30% and increased passenger traffic by 15% per month, according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The Abuja route, supported by a $50 million investment in fleet expansion, is expected to create 200 jobs and boost local tourism, with the UK hosting over 17,000 Nigerian visitors annually. 

However, challenges include securing additional slots at Heathrow, a congested airport, and navigating UK visa restrictions affecting 40% of Nigerian applicants. The launch promises economic benefits but hinges on regulatory approvals, with stakeholders optimistic about its impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector.