Air Peace has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport to London this summer.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this during an interview with journalists after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun.
A statement posted on Ogun State government’s X handle on Sunday stated that the visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate flights from the airport to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, a development he described as a major milestone for Ogun State’s aviation sector.
He commended the state government for delivering what he described as a world-class facility.
“This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused.
“When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it,” Onyema said.
He added that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards, noting that its four-kilometre runway can accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
The airline, he said, plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route.
“We are very proud to associate with Ogun State Airport as represented by this governor. We are coming here under the instrumentality of his invitation to start doing London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow to Gateway International Airport this summer,” he said.
Onyema also revealed that he had received approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the project as a national asset rather than a purely state initiative.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun said the state government plans to expand the airport’s ecosystem with the construction of an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel to boost business and tourism.
The governor disclosed that cargo operations have already commenced with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. He added that another European carrier is set to launch cargo services into the state.
Abiodun projected that about 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of the year
He also revealed the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The 90-seater planes are expected to enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
The governor expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon become Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.
By: Saheed Oyelakin
