Heathrow-Abuja flight launch, symbol of national pride — Air Peace

Air Peace has described the launch of its maiden direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as a symbol of national pride and resilience.

Nnenna Onyema, Executive Director, International Operations of the airline, said this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

According to Onyema, the launch will restore the Nigerian flag to one of the world’s busiest air corridors after more than a decade.

During the inauguration ceremony organised by London Heathrow Airport authorities to welcome the first flight, Onyema emphasised that it represented more than a new route but a declaration of Nigeria’s presence in global aviation.

She said “for years, there was silence in the skies. Today, that silence ends. Our flag flies again because, as we say back home, ‘Naija no dey carry last.”

According to her, the launch of the London-Abuja route will enhance accessibility, affordability and connectivity for the Nigerian and wider African diaspora.

She added that through Air Peace’s extensive network, passengers can travel beyond Abuja to destinations across West Africa, as the network enables onward connectivity from Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal.

She thanked the Federal Government for the support, extending appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for policies that promote ease of doing business in the aviation sector.

She also expressed gratitude to the management of London Heathrow Airport and its project team for facilitating the flight’s successful launch.

“This new operation is a seed of hope, it marks the rebirth of Nigeria’s aviation strength and a future where our nation connects seamlessly with the world; stronger and ready to compete globally.”

Our correspondent reports that Air Peace, had on Sunday, Oct. 26, launched its Abuja to London Heathrow flight.

The flight left London Heathrow Terminal 3 at 21.10 on Sunday and arrived Abuja at 04.20 on Monday.