The UK has responded to Nigeria's request for Air Peace to secure landing slots at Heathrow Airport. In a letter from Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the UK expressed willingness to discuss slot allocation, aiming for equitable access during upcoming international aviation negotiations in October 2024.
The United Kingdom's aviation authorities have acknowledged the recent diplomatic outreach from Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, regarding Air Peace's landing slots at Heathrow Airport. In a letter sent in early September, Keyamo formally requested landing rights for the Nigerian carrier, emphasizing Nigeria's push for equitable access to international airspace for its flag carrier.
UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, has responded positively, indicating her department's willingness to engage in discussions about the allocation of landing slots. Haigh noted that the matter would be addressed during the upcoming International Civil Aviation Negotiations event scheduled for October 2024.
This dialogue comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, particularly following Nigeria's warning that it may restrict landing rights for UK carriers at major airports in Lagos and Abuja. This warning serves as a significant leverage point for Nigeria in its ongoing negotiations, highlighting the importance of equitable access for Nigerian airlines in the global aviation market.
As discussions progress, both parties hope to find a resolution that allows Air Peace to secure landing slots at Heathrow, potentially enhancing the airline's operational capacity and bolstering Nigeria's aviation sector. The outcomes of these negotiations could have broader implications for international air travel and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the UK.
