Air Peace to Launch London Flights from Ogun's Gateway Airport This Summer
Air Peace, Nigeria's largest airline and a prominent carrier in West Africa, has unveiled ambitious plans to commence international flight operations from Gateway International Airport in Ogun State to London this summer. The announcement was made by the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, during a press briefing following an inspection of the airport facilities alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun. This development comes shortly after the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a significant step forward for aviation in the region.
Strategic Flight Operations to London
According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate flights connecting Gateway International Airport to both London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport. This initiative is set to enhance connectivity and provide travelers with more options for international travel from Nigeria. Onyema praised the Ogun State government for delivering a world-class aviation facility, describing the airport as one of the best-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa. He emphasized that the airport's infrastructure meets global standards, highlighting its 4-kilometer runway, which is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
Onyema stated, "This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused. When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it." 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. Air Peace plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route, ensuring a high level of service and capacity.
Expansion Plans and Economic Impact
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his remarks, announced further expansion plans for the airport's ecosystem. These include the construction of an international conference and convention centre, alongside a 550-room five-star hotel. Abiodun believes these developments will position Ogun State as a hub for global business and tourism, attracting more international visitors and investments. He also disclosed that cargo operations have already commenced with Allied Air, and Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. Additionally, another European carrier is set to launch cargo services into the state.
Abiodun projected that approximately 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of the year, boosting trade and logistics in the region. He further revealed the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. These 90-seater planes are expected to enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities, facilitating domestic travel and economic integration.
Future Prospects for Aviation in Nigeria
With these developments, Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon become Nigeria's third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja. This growth is anticipated to drive economic benefits, including job creation, increased tourism, and improved infrastructure. The collaboration between Air Peace and the state government underscores a commitment to advancing Nigeria's aviation sector and leveraging new opportunities for international connectivity.
The launch of London flights from Gateway International Airport represents a milestone for Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, promising to open up new avenues for travel, trade, and cultural exchange. As Air Peace prepares for its summer operations, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact on the local and national economy.
