Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has stepped in to resolve the ongoing dispute between Nigeria and the UK over Air Peace’s landing rights at Heathrow Airport. Air Peace has been struggling to secure a slot at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, despite being the UK’s primary airport. The airline currently operates from Gatwick Airport, a secondary airport.
In a meeting with Airline Operators of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima reassured stakeholders that the federal government is committed to creating a more conducive environment for airlines. He described the recent signing of the Cape Town Convention Practice Directions as a major boost for ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, expressed gratitude for Shettima’s intervention, stating that the Vice President is determined to ensure Nigerian airlines receive fair treatment abroad. Onyema emphasized the fragile nature of airline operations and the need for continued support to ensure sector growth and sustainability.
The dispute began when Air Peace missed critical deadlines for requesting landing slots, prompting Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to warn the UK that Nigeria would “reciprocate” by denying British Airways and Virgin Atlantic slots at Lagos and Abuja airports if Air Peace is not allocated space at Heathrow.
The situation highlights the complexities of international aviation agreements and the importance of diplomatic intervention in resolving disputes. With Shettima’s involvement, stakeholders are hopeful for a resolution that benefits both Nigerian airlines and the broader aviation industry.
