Manny Ita –
Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport to London this summer, marking a major development in the state’s aviation sector.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. The visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Onyema, the airline will operate flights from the facility to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, describing the move as a significant milestone for Ogun State.
“This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused. When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it,” Onyema said.
He added that the airport’s infrastructure meets international standards, noting that its four-kilometre runway can accommodate wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
The airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London operations.
“We are very proud to associate with Ogun State Airport as represented by this governor. We are coming here under the instrumentality of his invitation to start doing London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow to Gateway International Airport this summer,” he said.
Onyema also revealed that approval had been secured from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the initiative as a national asset rather than a purely state-owned project.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun stated that the state government is working to expand the airport’s ecosystem through the construction of an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel aimed at boosting business and tourism activities.
He further disclosed that cargo operations have already commenced with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. According to the governor, another European carrier is also set to launch cargo services into the state.
Abiodun projected that about 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of the year.
He also highlighted the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The 90-seater planes are expected to improve connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major cities across Nigeria.
The governor expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could emerge as Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja, citing ongoing investments and growing airline interest in the facility.
