The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a stern warning to the UK, addressing a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, regarding the ongoing issue of Air Peace’s inability to secure landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport.
Currently, Air Peace operates from Gatwick Airport, a second-tier option, as it has been unable to obtain slots at the more prestigious Heathrow Airport.
During a seminar hosted by the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos on July 26, Keyamo expressed Nigeria’s frustration over the situation. He emphasized that the country would no longer tolerate its airlines being denied access to top-tier international airports, as stipulated in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). Keyamo hinted that if Air Peace continues to be denied Heathrow access, Nigeria may respond by redirecting British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights to second-tier airports in Nigeria.
In a letter dated August 1, 2024, Keyamo formally communicated Nigeria’s position to Haigh. He warned that if Air Peace is not granted a slot at Heathrow, the federal government may revoke the access of British airlines to Lagos and Abuja airports.
Keyamo stated, “After receiving approval from the Nigerian government to operate the Abuja-London route, Air Peace approached the Slot Office for allocation at London Heathrow Airport, planning to commence operations in November 2024 during the IATA Winter Season. However, it is disheartening that the airline has not yet received a favorable response.”
He pointed out that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic currently enjoy unrestricted access to Lagos and Abuja, stressing the need for Nigerian carriers to receive similar treatment. Keyamo criticized the British authorities, stating, “It is unfair for Nigerian carriers to consistently face challenges with slot allocation, despite the reciprocity expected under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”
Keyamo emphasized that the slot allocation issue should not be used as an excuse to disregard the BASA agreement and that any concessions made with third parties should honor existing obligations under international agreements.
He concluded by stating that if Air Peace is not granted a slot at Heathrow, British flag carriers may face restrictions at Nigeria’s major airports in the upcoming winter season, unless meaningful discussions are held to resolve the matter.
Keyamo called for timely intervention from the UK authorities and expressed hope for a fair resolution to the issue.
