Air Peace, West Africa’s leading airline, is set to launch summer flights from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport, Iperu to London.
CEO Allen Onyema announced the new route following a facility inspection with Governor Dapo Abiodun, shortly after the airport’s official commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Onyema confirmed that the airline will service both London Gatwick and Heathrow, marking a major milestone for the state.
He lauded the government’s investment, describing the new hub as one of the finest aviation facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“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,” Onyema said.
“When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it.”
He emphasized that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards and highlighted its 4-kilometre runway, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
Air Peace, he noted, plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route.
Onyema also revealed that he had received approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the project as a national asset rather than a purely state initiative.
Abiodun, in his remarks, announced plans to further expand the airport’s ecosystem with the construction of an international conference and convention centre, alongside a 550-room five-star hotel.
He said the development would position Ogun State as a hub for global business and tourism.
The governor also disclosed that cargo operations have already commenced with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon.
Additionally, another European carrier is set to launch cargo services into the state.
Abiodun projected that approximately 50 cargo flights would operate through the airport between April and the end of the year.
He further 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.
With these developments, the governor expressed confidence that the airport could soon become Nigeria’s third busiest aviation hub, after Lagos and Abuja.
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