Air Peace London Ogun Flights Set to Begin This Summer
OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — April 4, 2026: Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has announced plans to commence Air Peace London Ogun flights this summer, linking London Gatwick and Heathrow airports to Gateway International Airport in Ogun State.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the newly commissioned airport alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun. The facility was officially commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 4, 2026, in Ogun State.
This milestone in the aviation sector sets the stage for further enhancements, which are detailed in the following updates on routes, infrastructure, and government initiatives.
Air Peace London Ogun Flights: Route Details and Aircraft Deployment
According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate direct international flights from:
- London Gatwick Airport (UK)
- London Heathrow Airport (UK)
- Destination: Gateway International Airport, Ogun State
The airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 aircraft for the route, signalling long-haul capacity and international-standard operations.
He stated:
“We are coming here… to start doing London Gatwick, London Heathrow to Gateway International Airport this summer.”
The CEO confirmed that necessary approvals have been secured from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, describing the project as a national asset rather than a state initiative.
Gateway International Airport, Ogun: Infrastructure and Capacity
Onyema praised the airport’s infrastructure, describing it as:
- “One of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa”
- Built to global aviation standards
- Featuring a 4-kilometre runway
The runway is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380, one of the world’s largest passenger planes.
He emphasised that Air Peace would not allow such infrastructure to remain underutilised.
Ogun State Government Expansion Plans
Governor Dapo Abiodun outlined broader plans to transform the airport into a regional economic hub.
Planned developments include:
- An international conference and convention centre
- A 550-room five-star hotel
- Expansion of aviation-linked commercial infrastructure
Abiodun said these additions will:
- Boost global business engagement.
- Strengthen tourism inflow
- Position Ogun State competitively in international aviation
Cargo Operations and International Airline Interest
The governor confirmed that cargo operations have already commenced at the airport through Allied Air.
Additional developments include:
- Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon.
- A European cargo carrier is preparing to launch services.
- Projection of 50 cargo flights between April and December 2026
These developments indicate growing international confidence in the airport’s operational capacity.
Gateway Airlines and Domestic Connectivity
In addition to international expansion, Ogun State has launched Gateway Airlines, a new regional carrier.
Key details:
- Fleet includes two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.
- Each aircraft has a 90-seat capacity.
- Focus: improving connectivity between Ogun State and major Nigerian cities
This initiative aims to strengthen domestic aviation links while supporting international operations.
National Aviation Impact and Strategic Positioning
Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon become:
- Nigeria’s third busiest airport
- Behind Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)
- And Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)
The introduction of Air Peace London Ogun flights is expected to:
- Reduce congestion in Lagos airports.
- Improve accessibility for travellers in South-West Nigeria.
- Enhance Nigeria’s aviation competitiveness globally.
Stakeholders Present at Airport Commissioning
The commissioning event on April 4, 2026, was attended by key national figures, including:
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo
- Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
- Senator Solomon Adeola
Their presence underscores the project’s national significance.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
The launch of Air Peace London Ogun flights represents:
1. Decentralisation of International Air Travel
- Reduces overdependence on Lagos airports
- Expands international access points
2. Economic Growth Catalyst
- Increased cargo traffic
- Job creation
- Tourism development
3. Strengthening Indigenous Airlines
- Air Peace expands global footprint.
- Boosts Nigeria’s aviation independence
Verification and Source Note
This report is based on official statements from Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema and Governor Dapo Abiodun during the airport inspection and commissioning event.
Cross-verification aligns with Channels Television’s reporting. Some operational timelines may be subject to regulatory and logistical adjustments.
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