Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has revealed plans to begin international flights from Gateway International Airport in Ogun State to London later this summer.
The airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema, made this known after inspecting the newly commissioned facility alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun. The airport was recently inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
Onyema disclosed that Air Peace intends to operate flights from the airport to both Gatwick and Heathrow in London, describing the move as a major boost for Ogun State’s aviation sector.
He commended the state government for delivering a modern and well-equipped airport, noting that the facility ranks among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“This is a top-class airport, and we are ready to utilise it fully,” he said, adding that Air Peace plans to deploy its Boeing 777 aircraft for the international route.
He also highlighted the airport’s 4-kilometre runway, which is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and confirmed that necessary approvals have been secured from the aviation authorities.
Governor Abiodun, on his part, revealed plans to expand the airport infrastructure with additional projects, including a world-class conference centre and a 550-room luxury hotel, aimed at attracting global business and tourism.
He further noted that cargo operations have already commenced, with Allied Air currently active, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. Another European cargo carrier is also set to join in the near future.
According to the governor, about 50 cargo flights are projected to operate through the airport between April and year-end.
He also announced the launch of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to improve connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other key cities across Nigeria.
With these developments, Abiodun expressed optimism that Gateway International Airport could soon rank among Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs, alongside Lagos and Abuja.
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