Nigeria London's Gatwick Airport Responds to Air Peace's Slot Allocation Controversy

In response to Air Peace CEO's claims of slot delays at Gatwick Airport for London to Lagos flights, Gatwick officials refute allegations, citing pending slot allocations. The CEO accused the airport of unfair practices, prompting clarification on the slot coordination process for the crucial international route between London and Lagos.

Amidst claims from Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, accusing Gatwick Airport of withholding slots, Gatwick has refuted the allegations, asserting no foul play in slot allocation.

Rebecca Byng, Gatwick's media relations manager, clarified that winter slots are yet to be assigned by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), which manages slot allocations for Gatwick. Byng emphasized that the Winter 2024/25 schedule is still being coordinated by ACL, and submissions from airlines interested in operating during this period are ongoing. Gatwick expressed pride in welcoming Air Peace to London Gatwick and expressed eagerness to collaborate for the benefit of travel and trade on the London to Lagos route.

Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), a global leader in slot coordination, ensures efficient capacity utilization and operational performance across 72 airports worldwide. Onyema's allegations surfaced during the 48th Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), where he claimed that Air Peace couldn't sell Lagos to London tickets for October to December due to Gatwick's slot delay.

He labeled this delay as part of "dirty tricks" targeting Air Peace on the Lagos-London route. Gatwick's response underscores ongoing efforts to address concerns and maintain transparency in slot allocation procedures.