Air Peace Plans Direct London Flights from Newly Commissioned Gateway International Airport in Ogun

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has announced plans to commence direct international flights from the Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, to London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports this summer.

This follows the official commissioning of the facility by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 4 and signals growing confidence in the new airport as a viable hub for international travel.

Air Peace Chief Executive Officer Dr. Allen Onyema disclosed the plans during an on-site inspection of the airport alongside Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun. Onyema described the Gateway International Airport as one of the finest facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, citing its modern infrastructure and strategic potential.

The airline intends to deploy its wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft for the new routes connecting Ogun State directly with London. Onyema stated that the decision followed an invitation from the governor and that necessary approvals had been secured from the Minister of Aviation. He emphasised that the project represents a national asset capable of enhancing connectivity beyond Lagos.

Governor Abiodun welcomed the announcement, noting that the airport’s world-class facilities, combined with complementary developments such as a proposed international conference centre and five-star hotel, would attract investment, promote trade, boost tourism and stimulate broader economic activities in the state.

The facility, located in Iperu-Remo within Ikenne Local Government Area, is positioned to serve the densely populated South-West region while easing pressure on Lagos airports. The announcement builds on the commissioning ceremony held on Saturday, during which President Tinubu also unveiled Gateway Air, the state-owned airline.

The new carrier will initially operate with two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, managed technically in partnership with ValueJet. Officials expect it to improve domestic and regional connectivity while complementing private sector initiatives.

Cargo operations at the airport are also set to begin soon. Governor Abiodun projected approximately 50 cargo flights between April and December 2026, underscoring the facility’s role in supporting logistics and regional trade.

The inclusion of a dedicated cargo terminal during the commissioning is expected to facilitate exports and strengthen supply chains for businesses in Ogun and neighbouring states. Onyema’s endorsement carries particular weight given Air Peace’s established track record on international routes.

The airline already operates daily flights to London Gatwick from Lagos and has expanded services to Heathrow. Its decision to add routes from the new Ogun airport is viewed as a vote of confidence in the state government’s infrastructure drive and the airport’s readiness for international standards.

The Gateway International Airport offers several strategic advantages, including ample land for future expansion, integration with existing logistics infrastructure and proximity to industrial zones in Ogun State.

Stakeholders anticipate that direct international links will reduce travel times for passengers from Ogun and surrounding areas, potentially offering more competitive fares and greater convenience compared to routing exclusively through congested Lagos hubs.

President Tinubu, during the commissioning, had commended the focus on infrastructure development, describing such projects as essential for economic growth and improved living standards. The event also featured the inauguration of other initiatives, including a 30-megawatt power plant, major road networks and distribution of security and agricultural equipment.

Informed observers note that successful implementation of the London routes will depend on several factors, including timely upgrades to access roads, maintenance of international safety and security standards, and development of ancillary services such as ground transportation and hospitality facilities.

Calls have been made for continued collaboration between federal and state authorities to address these requirements. The move aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to revitalise its aviation sector through public-private partnerships and policy support.

If realised, the routes could serve as a model for other states seeking to leverage air transport for economic transformation. Additional international carriers are expected to show interest once operations stabilise. For residents and businesses in Ogun State, the prospect of direct flights to London represents a significant improvement in global connectivity.

The routes are anticipated to facilitate easier movement for professionals, tourists and traders while opening opportunities for inbound investment and diaspora engagement. Challenges remain, including the need to sustain operational excellence and manage expectations around initial capacity.

However, the combination of strong political backing, private sector interest and strategic location has generated optimism about the airport’s long-term prospects. As summer approaches, attention will turn to the exact commencement dates and scheduling details for the Air Peace services. The development has already elevated Ogun State’s profile within Nigeria’s aviation landscape and is likely to influence discussions on decentralising air travel infrastructure away from traditional hubs.