From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, is set to commence direct flight operations to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on Sunday, October 26.
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood, said on Sunday that the development followed sustained diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.
According to him, the breakthrough came in the wake of a strongly worded letter dated Friday, August 1, 2024, written by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh MP.
“In the correspondence, the Minister demanded the immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace or risk reciprocal action, including a potential review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Lagos and Abuja airports.
“The Minister reiterated that Nigeria was only asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations, which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for designated flag carriers.
“After months of negotiations and firm diplomatic engagement, the UK authorities acceded to Nigeria’s demand, granting Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot,” Moshood stated.
He quoted his principal saying, “This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria. It sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing the terms of our bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of our indigenous carriers.
“My dear compatriots, after many months of diplomatic exchanges and shuttles, insisting on our reciprocal rights under our Bilateral Air Services Agreement, we are pleased to announce that Nigeria has finally secured the coveted Heathrow slot for one of our flag carriers, Air Peace.”
Air Peace had earlier launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, marking its entry into the highly competitive UK aviation market.
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