Air Peace has announced plans to commence direct flights between Abuja and London in October, strengthening its presence in the United Kingdom and expanding its international operations.
Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed the development at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) members’ evening and induction ceremony in Lagos.
Onyema described the move as a significant step in consolidating Nigeria’s aviation links with the UK and providing travellers with more convenient and affordable options.
Air Peace currently operates direct Lagos–London flights and remains Nigeria’s only indigenous airline connecting the country directly to the UK. The new Abuja–London service is expected to ease travel for passengers in northern and central Nigeria, while also boosting trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
Onyema commended the support of the Federal Government, particularly President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for implementing reforms that enable indigenous carriers to compete on global routes.
He also acknowledged the role of the British High Commission in facilitating Air Peace’s entry into the UK market.
The airline is also investing in long-term infrastructure to support its expansion. Onyema revealed that Air Peace has commenced construction of Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Valued at N32 billion and covering 34,000 square metres, the project is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs while reducing dependence on foreign maintenance services.
According to Onyema, aviation should not be viewed as a luxury but as an economic enabler that reduces trade costs, attracts investment, and strengthens bilateral growth.
He added that Air Peace remains committed to representing Nigeria proudly on the global stage and supporting indigenous businesses.
NBCC President, Prince Abimbola Olashore, praised Onyema’s leadership and noted that Air Peace’s expansion reflects the resilience and potential of Nigerian enterprise.
He urged members of the chamber to continue building on such achievements to advance bilateral trade between Nigeria and the UK.