Air Peace Targets London Routes from Ogun’s Gateway Airport
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is set to expand its international footprint with plans to begin London-bound flights from Gateway International Airport later this summer, marking a major step for aviation development in Ogun State.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed the plan after inspecting the newly commissioned airport alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun. The facility was recently inaugurated by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate flights from the Ogun-based airport to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, positioning the state as a new gateway for international travel.
He described the airport as one of the best-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa, noting that its infrastructure – including a 4-kilometre runway – can handle large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. For the London route, however, the airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet.
Onyema added that the airline has secured the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Aviation, emphasizing that the project should be viewed as a national asset rather than a state-only initiative.
Governor Abiodun also outlined broader plans to transform the airport into a full aviation and commercial hub. These include a proposed international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel to support business travel and tourism.
Cargo operations have already begun, with Allied Air currently active, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to commence services soon. Another European cargo carrier is also in the pipeline.
The governor revealed that up to 50 cargo flights are projected to operate through the airport between April and the end of the year. In addition, a new regional carrier, Gateway Airlines, has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to improve domestic connectivity between Ogun, Abuja, and other major cities.
With these developments, Ogun State is positioning Gateway International Airport as a potential third major aviation hub in Nigeria, behind Lagos and Abuja.
