The Federal Government has restated its unwavering commitment to empowering Nigeria’s local airlines, with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo highlighting the imminent benefits following Air Peace’ newly secured landing slots at London Heathrow, set to commence October 26.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Monday, Keyamo explained the significance of Air Peace’ entry into Heathrow, describing it as a pivotal move to increase competition on the busy Lagos-London route, which he noted as one of Nigeria’s top international air corridors.
“We knew the importance of that engagement and getting one of our airlines, our flag carriers, one of our very proud flag carriers on that route, because first of all, we wanted to make that route very competitive,” he said.
He added that Nigerians have long been burdened by expensive international airfares.
“Nigerians are beginning to complain or have been complaining about the very expensive international tickets that we buy. And we felt as government, we didn’t want to leave the local airlines to their fate,” Keyamo stated.
According to Keyamo, government’s role is to foster an enabling environment for healthy competition to thrive.
Previously, Air Peace was granted slots at London Gatwick, but the Minister stressed that Heathrow remains the prime London hub with superior connectivity.
“Almost all the connection in London happens in Heathrow, not Gatwick. Heathrow is a bigger hub where you connect so many airlines to any part of the world,” Keyamo said, explaining that securing Heathrow access means Nigerians flying with Air Peace can seamlessly connect to destinations worldwide.
The Minister revealed that after sustained diplomatic efforts, Air Peace’s landing slots at Heathrow were approved. “After the back and forth engagement, we were able to get Air Peace into Heathrow.”
Keyamo outlined the immediate benefits: a further crash in airfare prices on the Lagos-London route beyond the reductions already seen with the Gatwick slots; enhanced connectivity for Nigerian travelers; and empowerment of local airlines to enter interline or code-sharing agreements with global carriers.
“Even if your Airpeace is not flying to the US, Airpeace will take you to London and then hand you over without your stamping into London, hand you over to another airline that they are interlined with to take you to the US So that empowers our local airline,” he explained.
Beyond international route developments, Keyamo addressed broader challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly flight delays and cancellations. He acknowledged that capacity constraints among domestic airlines contribute to these issues but stressed that the government is committed to supporting local carriers to expand and improve operations.
“It has been a big concern to us, and there are a number of factors. The first factor is the capacity of the local airlines. And so as government, the first thing we should do is to ensure that we support them to increase their capacity,” Keyamo said.
He also highlighted efforts to enforce consumer protection through the Directorate of Consumer Protection under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“I gave a directive last week, publish the number of refunds you are making them pay every month, publish the number of apologies, refunds… Sometimes they give credit, saying okay, you can get a new ticket on your next flight, free of charge. So they do that to compensate passengers.”
Keyamo emphasised that the current administration prefers to strengthen local airlines rather than shut them down, warning that closure would create chaos.
“Since we came, one of the focal points that we decided to do in the aviation industry is to empower local airlines… Instead of condemning them, instead of fighting them… if you close them down, you create more chaos.”
He noted that Nigeria’s aviation industry is primarily privately operated, with 13 active private airlines handling domestic, regional, and international routes.
To further support growth, Keyamo revealed ongoing government efforts to increase access to credit and aircraft leasing. He disclosed an impending landmark aircraft leasing deal,
“In the next few days, perhaps less than two weeks, we are going to announce the first big deal that the local airlines are having that in the last maybe nearly two decades, they have never had… They have never had a dry lease commitment. Nobody before.”
This dry lease agreement, Keyamo said, will significantly reduce leasing costs and open the door for other local airlines to benefit, eventually driving down airfare prices.
Additionally, Keyamo referenced recent successes in securing international digital routes for Nigerian airlines, including the hard-won Heathrow slot for Air Peace after direct engagement with British counterparts.
In a separate discussion, Keyamo also touched on the upcoming Nigerian International Airshow scheduled for December, describing it as “a photo showcase of what we can do to the world” that will highlight the potential of Nigeria’s aviation sector. For the first time, the Air Force will collaborate in the event, which will feature aircraft displays and draw international airlines.
Minister Keyamo reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building the aviation sector “with integrity, accountability, and in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” signalling sustained government support to elevate local carriers and improve the overall aviation landscape in Nigeria.
Chioma Kalu
The post Keyamo: Air Peace Flying Heathrow Will Lower Ticket Prices, FG’s Support For Local Airlines Bearing Fruit appeared first on Arise News.
