UK (Commonwealth Union) _ The UK’s aviation authorities have proposed that Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, operate flights from either London Stansted or London Gatwick. However, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema is urging UK authorities to grant the airline slots access at London Heathrow (LHR) instead, citing the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).
Air Peace recently obtained UK Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization, allowing it to operate flights to the UK. Following this approval, the UK authorities suggested that the airline use London Stansted or London Gatwick for its operations. Both of these airports are among the UK’s busiest. However, Onyema rejected this proposal and insisted on being allowed to operate from Heathrow.
Under BASA, airlines from both countries can operate flights from each other’s primary airports. Onyema emphasized that UK carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have the capacity to operate flights from Nigeria’s primary airports, such as Muhammed International Airport (LOS) and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (ABV), so Air Peace should be granted access to Heathrow.
Onyema expressed his stance, saying, “It must be Heathrow or nothing.”
London Heathrow (LHR) is one of the world’s busiest airports, accommodating over 60 million passengers annually. Securing access to LHR slots is highly coveted by airlines as it provides extensive global connectivity and enhances an airline’s presence in the industry. Demand for slots at Heathrow far exceeds supply, making them highly valuable and sought-after.
This dispute is not the first time that Nigeria and the UK have had disagreements regarding Heathrow slots. In 2011, Nigeria threatened to revoke permission for British airlines due to issues related to slot allocation involving Arik Air.
Air Peace is currently the only Nigerian carrier authorized to operate flights to the UK.
