The Ogun state government has announced that Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, will launch international flights to London from Gateway International Airport in Iperu this summer.
The airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema, revealed that the new service will connect Ogun directly to Gatwick and Heathrow airports, marking a milestone for the state’s aviation sector.
“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 following an inspection of the airport facilities.
The airport features a 4-km (2.4 mi.) runway capable of handling large aircraft, including the Airbus A380. Air Peace plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route.
Onyema also confirmed receiving approval from Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo to proceed with the operations, describing the initiative as “a national asset.”
Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun outlined broader plans to expand the airport’s ecosystem. These include the construction of an international conference and convention center, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel aimed at positioning the state as a hub for global business and tourism.
Cargo operations have already begun at the airport with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to commence services soon. According to the governor, another European carrier is also preparing to launch cargo operations in the state.
Abiodun projected that approximately 50 cargo flights will pass through the airport between April and the end of the year.
In addition, the state of Ogun has established a new carrier, Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The 90-seater planes are expected to improve connectivity between Ogun, Abuja and other major Nigerian cities.
Abiodun added that there is confidence Gateway International Airport will become Nigeria’s third-busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.
With 30 aircraft, Air Peace is West Africa’s largest carrier. As well as the London routes, the airline also flies to Istanbul and Jeddah. The carrier also offers connections to the major West African capitals in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Senegal.
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