Air Peace, one of the biggest airlines in West Africa, has announced plans to start international flights from Gateway International Airport to London this summer.

The airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema, made this known after inspecting the airport with Dapo Abiodun. Their visit came shortly after the airport was officially opened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Onyema explained that the airline will operate flights from the airport to both Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, marking a big step forward for aviation in Ogun State.

He commended the state government for building a modern airport, describing it as one of the best in Sub-Saharan Africa. He said Air Peace is ready to make use of such a high-quality facility.

Onyema added that the airport meets international standards and has a long runway that can handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. He also revealed that Air Peace plans to use its Boeing 777 planes for the London route.

He further stated that he has received approval from the Aviation Minister to begin the flights, adding that the airport should be seen as a national project, not just a state one.

Governor Abiodun also shared plans to expand the airport area by building an international conference centre and a 550-room five-star hotel to attract global business and tourism.

He mentioned that cargo flights have already started with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. Another European airline is also preparing to start cargo services.

The governor said about 50 cargo flights are expected to operate through the airport between April and the end of the year.

He also revealed that a new airline, Gateway Airlines, has been launched and has already acquired two Bombardier CRJ900 planes to improve travel between Ogun, Abuja, and other major cities in Nigeria.

With all these developments, the governor expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport could soon become the third busiest airport in Nigeria, after Lagos and Abuja.