Air Peace Airlines Launches Heathrow Flights With Unprecedented Fare Cuts.
Air Peace Airlines, Nigeria’s leading carrier, has made history by launching direct flight operations to London’s prestigious Heathrow Airport, a move set to transform travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The airline announced that round-trip tickets from Nigeria to London will be available for as low as ₦1 million, with the offer commencing in August 2025. This significant fare reduction is poised to make international travel more accessible for Nigerians, sparking excitement across the aviation sector.
The introduction of these flights marks a major milestone for Air Peace, which has rapidly expanded its footprint since its inception in 2014. The airline, founded by Nigerian lawyer and businessman Allen Onyema, has grown to become West Africa’s largest carrier, known for its commitment to affordable and reliable travel. The new Abuja-to-Heathrow route, set to begin on 26 October 2025, complements Air Peace’s existing Lagos-to-Gatwick service, offering travellers greater flexibility and convenience. Passengers from cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Warri, Owerri, Kano, Yola, Gombe, and Asaba can now book through fares via Abuja to either Heathrow or Gatwick on a single ticket, streamlining the travel process and eliminating the need for multiple bookings or baggage re-checks.
This fare reduction is part of Air Peace’s broader strategy to democratise international air travel for Nigerians. The ₦1 million round-trip fare represents a substantial saving compared to the ₦3–5 million previously charged by foreign carriers for similar routes. The airline has also introduced a generous baggage allowance, further enhancing the value for travellers. By securing coveted landing slots at Heathrow—one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports—Air Peace is not only expanding its international presence but also challenging the dominance of foreign airlines on the lucrative Nigeria-UK route.
The breakthrough follows months of diplomatic efforts led by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who insisted on reciprocal rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK. The minister’s firm stance, including a strongly worded letter to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, in August 2024, paved the way for Air Peace to secure six weekly slots at Heathrow. This achievement has been hailed as a diplomatic triumph, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the interests of its national carriers.
Efe Osifo-Whiskey, Air Peace’s spokesperson, described the move as a bold step towards transforming African aviation. “This latest offer, with round-trip fares starting from just ₦1 million and unmatched domestic connectivity, is yet another milestone in our mission to make international travel affordable for Nigerians,” he said. The airline’s expansion into Heathrow is expected to cater to the high demand for premium services, particularly among business and government travellers, while also serving the large Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
The Nigeria-UK route is one of the most significant air corridors in African aviation, with approximately 140,000 round-trip passengers travelling between London and Abuja in 2024 alone. Heathrow’s status as a global hub offers Nigerian travellers seamless connections to Europe and beyond, making Air Peace’s entry into this market a game-changer. The airline will operate its Boeing 777 aircraft on the Heathrow route, ensuring a comfortable and reliable experience for passengers.
Industry experts have praised Air Peace for sparking a price war that has forced foreign carriers to lower their fares. Since the airline’s entry into the London market with its Lagos-to-Gatwick route in March 2024, competitors such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have reduced their prices to remain competitive. This development has been welcomed by Nigerian travellers, who now have more affordable options for international flights without compromising on quality.
As Air Peace continues to expand its international network, including planned routes to the United States, the UAE, and Senegal, the airline is cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in African aviation. The Heathrow service, combined with the jaw-dropping ₦1 million fare, underscores Air Peace’s commitment to providing world-class travel options while prioritising affordability and accessibility for Nigerians.
Travellers eager to take advantage of this offer can book their tickets through Air Peace’s website or mobile app, with fares already live for purchase. With this bold move, Air Peace is not only connecting Nigeria to the world but also redefining the future of African aviation.
