Home » AFRICA » United Kingdom and Nigeria Strengthen Aviation Ties as Air Peace Launches New London Gatwick to Abuja Route

Published on
October 30, 2025

London Gatwick has taken another decisive step toward becoming one of Europe’s most significant aviation gateways to Africa with the launch of a new direct route to Abuja, Nigeria. Operated by Air Peace, the country’s largest airline, this addition reinforces Gatwick’s position as a vital hub for both business and leisure travel between the United Kingdom and Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.

The inaugural flight to Abuja departed on 28 October, marking Air Peace’s second major route from London Gatwick after the successful launch of its daily Lagos service in March 2024. The new Abuja connection operates three times per week from Gatwick’s South Terminal, providing travellers with greater flexibility and convenience when journeying between the two capitals. This new route is particularly significant for Nigeria’s growing diaspora community in the UK and for the expanding number of British businesses investing in West Africa’s emerging economy.

London Gatwick’s growing African portfolio is not only driven by demand but also by strategic ambition. The airport recently recorded its busiest summer season for African travel in history. In the third quarter alone, more than 670,000 passengers travelled between Gatwick and African destinations — a 9% increase compared to 2024 and an extraordinary 96% surge from 2019 levels. This remarkable growth underscores the continued resilience and recovery of African aviation markets following the pandemic, while highlighting London’s enduring role as a global hub for trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

The addition of Abuja raises Gatwick’s total number of direct African destinations to 21, connecting passengers to key cities such as Nairobi in Kenya, Entebbe in Uganda and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. This extended network enhances accessibility across East, West and Central Africa, allowing travellers to move more efficiently between major economic centres. It also supports the UK’s broader trade and investment strategy in Africa, where opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, education and technology continue to expand.

Air Peace’s growing presence at Gatwick reflects a broader trend among African carriers seeking to strengthen their global connectivity. The airline’s commitment to regular, high-quality service has positioned it as a leading ambassador for Nigerian aviation on the international stage. With modern aircraft and competitive pricing, Air Peace is helping reshape perceptions of African air travel by offering reliable, comfortable and affordable connections between key markets.

For London Gatwick, this expansion into Africa represents a diversification of its long-haul portfolio beyond traditional transatlantic and Asian routes. The airport’s investment in route development, passenger experience and terminal efficiency is paying dividends, attracting new airlines and reinforcing its role as a critical driver of regional and international connectivity. The South Terminal, where Air Peace operates, has been modernised to support the rising volume of intercontinental services, ensuring seamless transit experiences for travellers connecting to or from Africa.

The increasing frequency of flights to African destinations also holds social and cultural importance. The UK is home to one of the largest African diasporas in Europe, and direct connectivity supports family reunions, cultural exchange and easier access to tourism opportunities across the continent. At the same time, Africa’s fast-growing middle class is fuelling outbound leisure travel, with London remaining a top choice for education, shopping and cultural experiences.

As London Gatwick continues to strengthen its African network, the Abuja service marks both a milestone and a signal of future expansion. With Air Peace’s commitment to bridging continents and Gatwick’s strategy to grow its global reach, the partnership reflects the dynamic evolution of modern air travel — one that connects emerging economies, supports local communities, and builds stronger global ties between Africa and the United Kingdom.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “Air Peace’s growing presence at London Gatwick demonstrates not only the success of its popular Lagos service, but also the airline’s commitment to meeting demand for greater connectivity between London and Africa. 

“This new service will be a huge benefit to the vast Nigerian diaspora across London and the South East, alongside passengers travelling to West Africa for business and leisure.”

Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer, Air Peace said: “We’re incredibly proud to expand our UK operations with the launch of the Abuja service from London Gatwick. This milestone reinforces Air Peace’s commitment to deepening Nigeria–UK connectivity while advancing our vision of seamless air travel between Africa and the rest of the world.

“Beyond offering non-stop flights to Nigeria, passengers enjoy convenient multi-city connections within Nigeria on a single ticket, generous baggage allowance and competitive fares complemented by warm Nigerian hospitality and intercontinental cuisine.

“This new route will further strengthen trade, tourism and cultural ties between both nations and provide the Nigerian diaspora with even greater access to home.”