Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and a leading carrier in West Africa, has announced plans to launch international flights from Gateway International Airport to London this summer.
The airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema, shared the update following an inspection of the airport facilities with Governor Dapo Abiodun, shortly after the airport’s official commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Onyema revealed that Air Peace will operate flights to both London Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, marking a major milestone for Ogun State’s aviation sector. He praised the state government for delivering a world-class facility, describing it as one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The airport meets global standards, and Air Peace will not allow this facility to go unused,” Onyema said, noting its 4-kilometre runway can handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. He added that the airline plans to use its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route and has received approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed.
Governor Abiodun highlighted plans to expand the airport’s ecosystem, including the construction of an international conference and convention center, and a 550-room five-star hotel, aiming to position Ogun State as a hub for global business and tourism.
Cargo operations have already begun with Allied Air, with Ethiopian Airlines expected to start soon. Another European carrier is also set to launch cargo services, with approximately 50 cargo flights projected between April and year-end.
The governor further announced the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to improve connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities. With these developments, he expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon rank as Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.
