Allen Onyema, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, revealed that the airline opted for Gatwick Airport to operate its Lagos-London flight, starting from March 30, 2024, due to UK authorities’ refusal to grant the airline access to Heathrow Airport.
Speaking on Arise TV, Onyema explained that despite the initial setback, the decision to choose Gatwick revealed inherent advantages, including its proximity to the Nigerian community residing in that part of London and the comparatively lighter traffic to Central London from Gatwick compared to Heathrow.
Under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between the UK and Nigeria, Air Peace was entitled to access the UK’s primary airport, Heathrow, similar to how Nigeria offers its primary airports in Lagos and Abuja to British airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
However, UK authorities did not adhere to this provision, prompting Air Peace to select Gatwick Airport for its operations.Onyema highlighted that Gatwick Airport offers logistical benefits for Air Peace, making it easier for Nigerian passengers to reach their destinations within the UK and to connect with other parts of the country.
Source: Parrot Nigeria