In a significant development, UK aviation authorities have agreed to open discussions regarding slot allocation for Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace, at London’s Heathrow Airport. This decision follows a formal request by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a letter sent in September 2024.
Keyamo’s move came after the Nigerian government hinted at potential retaliation against UK airlines operating at Lagos and Abuja airports if Air Peace was not granted access to Heathrow slots. The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, responded positively, agreeing to address the issue at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN) event later this month.
Air Peace has long sought landing slots at Heathrow since obtaining its UK Third Country Operator authorization. The airline’s chairman, Allen Onyema, has called for equal treatment under the bilateral air services agreement between the two nations, arguing that Nigerian carriers should have the same opportunities as British airlines flying into Nigeria.
The current situation echoes a similar dispute in 2011 when Nigeria threatened to revoke British airlines’ access to Nigerian airports after Arik Air failed to secure Heathrow slots. Though that conflict was eventually resolved, the negotiations surrounding Air Peace are now crucial for ensuring reciprocal treatment.
Air Peace remains the only Nigerian airline certified to operate in the UK, and securing a slot at Heathrow would represent a major achievement. The outcome of the upcoming discussions could pave the way for enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in the aviation sector, promoting fair competition and mutual benefits for both countries.
As the ICAN event draws near, both Nigerian and UK officials will be looking to reach an agreement that balances the interests of both nations’ aviation industries.
In a related event, Legit.ng reported that a Xejet Airlines aircraft skidded off the runway at Lagos airport due to rainy weather conditions. Fortunately, all 52 passengers and crew members on board were unharmed.
