“Heathrow Slot Dispute: Nigerian Minister Appeals to UK”.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has formally lodged a complaint with the UK government regarding Air Peace’s inability to secure a slot at Heathrow Airport.
In his letter dated August 1, 2024, to Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Keyamo expressed concerns over the refusal of British authorities to grant Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, access to Heathrow, which is the UK’s primary airport. Currently, Air Peace operates out of Gatwick Airport, a secondary location.
Keyamo has warned that if Air Peace’s request for a Heathrow slot is not met, Nigeria may reciprocate by restricting British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from accessing Lagos and Abuja airports. This move is seen as a strategic response to the perceived inequity in slot allocations.
The Minister emphasized that Air Peace’s unsuccessful attempts to secure a Heathrow slot highlight a broader issue. He noted that Nigeria’s airlines should have the opportunity to operate from tier-one airports abroad in accordance with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). He further stated that Nigeria might take countermeasures by directing British airlines to less prominent Nigerian airports, such as Ilorin or Kano, if the situation is not rectified.
Keyamo’s intervention comes after ongoing efforts by Air Peace to gain a slot at Heathrow, which would provide closer access to central London and potentially enhance the airline’s international operations. The complaint reflects a growing frustration with the current arrangement and a push for more equitable treatment for Nigerian carriers.
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