Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced plans to commence international flight operations from the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan, Ogun State, to the United Kingdom this summer.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after inspecting the airport alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun, shortly after the facility was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.
Onyema said the airline would operate flights to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, describing the move as a major step in expanding international connectivity from Ogun State.
“This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused,” he said. “When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it.”
He stated that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards, noting that its 4-kilometre runway is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380. He added that the airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 aircraft for the proposed London route.
Onyema also revealed that he had secured approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the airport as a national asset.
Speaking earlier, Abiodun said the state government had commenced plans 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 attract global business and tourism.
The governor added that cargo operations had already begun at the airport with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to commence operations soon. He also disclosed that another European carrier is preparing to begin cargo services.
Abiodun said about 50 cargo flights are projected to operate through the airport between April and the end of the year.
He further announced the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja and other major cities across the country.
The governor expressed optimism that the Gateway International Airport would soon rank among Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs, after Lagos and Abuja.
