Air Peace has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport to London this summer.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, disclosed this on April 5, 2026, during an interview with journalists after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun.
A statement shared via the Ogun State Government’s X handle on the same day noted that the visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Onyema, Air Peace will operate flights from the airport to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, describing the move as a major milestone for Ogun State’s aviation sector.
He commended the state government for delivering what he described as a world-class facility, noting that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards. Onyema added that the four-kilometre runway can accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
The Air Peace boss also revealed that the airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route, stressing that the decision was driven by the potential of the new facility.
He further disclosed that approval had been secured from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the airport as a national asset rather than a purely state project.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun said the state government is working to expand the airport’s ecosystem with the construction of an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel to boost business and tourism.
The governor added that cargo operations have already commenced with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. He also noted that another European carrier is set to launch cargo services into the state.
Abiodun projected that about 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of 2026.
He also revealed the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The 90-seater planes are expected to enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
The governor expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon become Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.
