Airlines
Air Peace Rallies Partners Ahead of Abuja–London Service Launch
Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace Limited, is preparing to make aviation history once again with the launch of its Abuja–London services, scheduled to commence on October 26 (Heathrow) and October 28 (Gatwick).
Ahead of this milestone, the airline hosted a high-level Travel Partner Forum at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, bringing together industry stakeholders, travel agents, and international partners to strengthen collaboration and chart the way forward.
The forum served as a rallying point for Air Peace’s loyal partners and provided an opportunity to discuss strategies for optimizing sales and ensuring the success of the new route. Top-selling travel agents, members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), and executives of global booking platforms Amadeus and Sabre were among those in attendance.
In his goodwill message, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, reiterated that the Abuja–London route is more than just a commercial venture. According to him, it reflects the airline’s determination to empower Nigerians, create jobs, and project the country positively on the global stage.
“Beyond offering Nigerians world-class travel choices, Air Peace is deliberately creating employment through initiatives like our Graduate Trainee Programme, which has already provided opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians across multiple 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 said.
To further inspire confidence, Onyema announced that selected travel agents would receive complimentary seats on the inaugural Abuja–London service, while discounted fares would be made available to passengers during the introductory period.
He noted that the discounts were designed to make the new route affordable, accessible, and sustainable for Nigerians.
Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, delivered a comprehensive brand and route presentation, highlighting the strategic significance of the London route and the crucial role of travel agents in ensuring its success.
Stakeholders later engaged in a lively Q&A session, discussing opportunities for collaboration, challenges in the international market, and the way forward for Nigerian aviation.
NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, praised Air Peace’s resilience and long-term vision. He singled out the construction of the airline’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos as a landmark project that will not only serve Nigeria but also position Africa on the global aviation map.
He pledged NANTA’s unwavering support, describing Air Peace as a “national project” that requires the backing of every Nigerian.
International travel technology firms Amadeus and Sabre also lauded Air Peace’s integration into their platforms, which they said would give the Abuja–London route visibility in over 160 countries and 55,000 agencies worldwide. This, they noted, will make the service more competitive and accessible to a global audience.
The Abuja–London flights are expected to deliver significant socio-economic benefits, including job creation, tourism growth, and cultural exchange. They will also deepen trade relations and strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
By expanding its services from Lagos to Abuja, Air Peace is not only giving Nigerians more travel choices but also ensuring that the benefits of international connectivity are spread across different regions of the country.
The airline’s focus on affordability, employment creation, and operational reliability sets it apart as a national champion committed to Nigeria’s progress.
With its latest expansion, Air Peace continues to cement its role as West Africa’s aviation leader—offering Nigerians safe, reliable, and world-class service while making bold investments that drive the nation’s economic growth.
A Lagos-bound aircraft operated by Air Peace on its London Gatwick route was forced to return safely to Nigeria after encountering airspace access issues during the journey.
The airline disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the disruption affected its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service of May 13, 2026.
According to the airline, the aircraft returned to Lagos after operational concerns arose involving the airspace authorities of an African country during the flight.
Air Peace stated that the decision to return the aircraft was taken in line with international aviation safety procedures while urgent clarifications were sought from the relevant authorities.
Following the incident, the airline rescheduled the London Gatwick service and immediately notified affected passengers.
The carrier added that passengers received support services, communication updates, and other necessary assistance during the disruption.
Air Peace apologised for the inconvenience caused, stressing that the situation was beyond the airline’s control.
The airline also assured the flying public of its continued commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient passenger service across its operations.
Airlines
Bayelsa’s Pioneer Airlines Cleared for Takeoff After AOC Approval
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, and Pioneer Airlines Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, during the presentation of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed support for indigenous airlines as Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines officially moves closer to commencing operations after securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received the airline’s management team in Abuja on Wednesday following the successful certification of the carrier.
The delegation was led by Pioneer Airlines Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, who formally presented the airline’s AOC certificate to the Minister and thanked the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies for supporting the certification process.
Capt. Ungbuku described the approval as a significant achievement for Bayelsa State and said the development demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines.
He praised the Ministry for encouraging private and state-backed investment in the aviation sector and creating policies that support local operators.
During the meeting, the Pioneer Airlines boss also introduced members of the airline’s management team responsible for operations, commercial services, safety, engineering, business development, and human resources.
Speaking during the visit, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s entry into the market and said the growing involvement of state governments in aviation would help expand Nigeria’s domestic and regional air transport network.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a Nigerian Leasing Company to support local airlines with aircraft acquisition and reduce operational difficulties faced by indigenous carriers.
He explained that Pioneer Airlines could become one of the beneficiaries of the initiative when fully operational.
Keyamo further stressed that Nigeria has a large aviation market capable of supporting more local carriers, especially on regional routes currently dominated by foreign airlines.
According to him, stronger indigenous participation in the sector would improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The visit concluded with renewed commitments between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines to work together towards expanding air transport opportunities and improving regional connectivity across the country.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commended Mr. Isibor Blessed Nicholas, a contract staff member of Pathfinder working with Lufthansa, for demonstrating exceptional honesty and professionalism after returning a passenger’s missing mobile phone 10 days after it was misplaced.
FAAN, in a statement, described the gesture as a shining example of integrity within Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that the phone was safely kept and returned intact to its rightful owner despite the passage of time.
According to the Authority, Mr. Isibor’s conduct reflects the growing culture of accountability, trust, and responsible service delivery being promoted across the nation’s airports.
The agency praised the Lufthansa support staff for upholding the image of the aviation sector through ethical conduct and dedication to duty, adding that such actions help strengthen public confidence in airport operations and personnel.
FAAN further reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing workers who distinguish themselves through honesty and professionalism, stressing that integrity remains a critical pillar in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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