Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace Limited, has organized a strategic Travel Partner Forum in Abuja as part of its final preparations to launch direct flights from Abuja to London.
The new service, which will cover both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, is scheduled to commence on October 26 and 28, 2025.
The forum took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and gathered top-performing travel agents, executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, and representatives from global travel technology companies, Amadeus and Sabre. The event was aimed at strengthening Air Peace’s strategic partnerships and reinforcing Nigeria’s position in global aviation.
A key feature of the forum was a comprehensive presentation by the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala. He provided data-backed insights into the Abuja–London route, highlighting its strategic significance to Nigeria’s travel landscape and the critical role travel agents will play in ensuring the route’s commercial viability.
Following the presentation, an interactive session allowed stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration, discuss strategies for sales optimization, and deliberate on ways to enhance Nigeria’s visibility in international aviation.
Delivering a goodwill message, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed appreciation to the travel trade community for their continued support since the airline’s Lagos–London Gatwick route began operations in March 2024. He attributed the decision to expand into Heathrow to the confidence built through these partnerships.
“Beyond offering Nigerians world-class travel choices, Air Peace is deliberately creating employment through initiatives like our Graduate Trainee Programme, which has already opened doors for thousands of young Nigerians across diverse disciplines. We are committed to building a steady pipeline of skilled manpower and empowering the next generation to contribute to Nigeria’s growth story,” Onyema declared.
To further solidify ties with travel partners, Onyema announced that selected agents would receive complimentary seats on the inaugural Abuja–London flight. He also revealed plans for significantly discounted fares during the launch period.
He added: “Our Abuja brothers and sisters will not only experience this service firsthand but also benefit from massive discounts designed to make the route accessible and sustainable.”
NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, praised Air Peace’s operational strength, resilience, and long-term investments, singling out the airline’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility under development in Lagos as a game-changer for aviation in Nigeria and Africa. Folami described Air Peace as a “national project” deserving of widespread support.
Representatives from Amadeus and Sabre also voiced their backing, noting that Air Peace’s integration into their global distribution networks—covering over 160 countries and more than 55,000 travel agencies—will greatly enhance booking efficiency and international competitiveness for the new route.
The Abuja–London service marks another major milestone in Air Peace’s international growth strategy, complementing its existing Lagos–Gatwick operation. The new route is expected to improve travel convenience, boost tourism, generate employment, enhance diplomatic relations, and promote cultural exchange between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
With this development, Air Peace further cements its role as a key player in West African aviation, dedicated to expanding global connectivity and showcasing Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
