Airline secures federal approval to launch UK flights, positioning Ogun’s new airport as a major aviation hub……
Air Peace has announced plans to begin international flight operations linking the United Kingdom to Ogun State’s newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport, marking a significant step toward expanding Nigeria’s aviation footprint.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, revealed the plan on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the airport’s inauguration ceremony.
According to Onyema, Air Peace intends to operate direct flights from both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport into Ogun State as early as this summer.
He noted that the airline has already received the green light from the Federal Government, following discussions with the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
Onyema praised the newly commissioned airport, describing it as one of the most advanced aviation facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“This is one of the best, if not the best airport in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said. “It’s not just about the structure, it has everything that defines a modern airport, comparable to what you see in the Western world.”
He emphasized that the project goes beyond regional significance, calling it a national asset with the potential to reshape air travel access across Nigeria.
Strategic Expansion for Air Peace
The planned UK route signals a strategic expansion for Air Peace, which has been steadily increasing its international presence in recent years.
Onyema made it clear the airline is determined to ensure the new airport does not remain underutilized.
“We will not sit back and watch this place go unused,” he said, adding that the initiative aligns with the Ogun State government’s vision to transform the airport into a key gateway for international travel.
A New Aviation Hub in the Making?
If successfully launched, the London–Ogun route could:
- Decongest existing international airports
- Boost economic activity in Ogun and surrounding regions
- Provide travelers with more direct international access points
With federal backing and airline commitment now in place, attention will turn to how quickly operations can begin and whether Gateway International Airport can live up to its promise as a new hub for global connectivity.
For now, the message from Air Peace is clear: Ogun State may soon be on the global aviation map.
