Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and a leading West African carrier, has announced plans to commence direct international flight operations between London and Gateway International Airport in Ogun State this summer.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the airport alongside Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. The visit followed the airport’s recent commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.

Onyema said the airline intends to operate services from both London Gatwick and Heathrow airports to Ogun State, describing the development as a major milestone for the state’s aviation sector. He commended the Ogun State Government for delivering what he described as a world-class facility, noting that the airport ranks among the best-equipped in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, the airport’s infrastructure meets international standards, including a four-kilometre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380. He added that Air Peace plans to deploy its Boeing 777 aircraft for the London route.

Onyema also revealed that the airline has received the necessary approvals from the Federal Ministry of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the project as a national asset with significant economic potential.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun outlined broader plans to develop the airport into a major economic hub. These include the construction of an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel to support business and tourism activities in the state.

The governor further disclosed that cargo operations have already commenced at the airport with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin services soon. He added that another European carrier is also planning to launch cargo operations.

Abiodun projected that about 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of the year. He also announced the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to enhance connectivity between Ogun State and other major Nigerian cities.

With these developments, the governor expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could emerge as Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.