Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, plans to start international flights from London to Gateway International Airport in Ogun State this summer. CEO Allen Onyema made the announcement after inspecting the airport with Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“We are set to operate flights from London Gatwick and Heathrow to Gateway International Airport this summer,” Onyema told journalists. He praised the airport as one of the best-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa, noting its four-kilometre runway, which can handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. Air Peace plans to use its Boeing 777 fleet for the route.
The CEO also highlighted that the aviation ministry has approved the project, describing it as a national asset, not just a state initiative.
Governor Abiodun said the airport’s expansion will include an international conference centre and a 550-room five-star hotel, aiming to make Ogun a hub for business and tourism. Cargo operations have already started with Allied Air, with Ethiopian Airlines and another European carrier expected soon. About 50 cargo flights are projected from April through the end of the year.
Additionally, Gateway Airlines, a new state-backed carrier, has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 planes to boost domestic connectivity. With these developments, Abiodun expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon become Nigeria’s third busiest airport after Lagos and Abuja.
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