Air Peace: We’ll respond to Nigeria’s threat to bar our carriers soon – UK govt

On August 1, 2024, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, issued a strong ultimatum to the United Kingdom government, signaling a potential standoff in the aviation sector between the two nations. Keyamo’s demand centered on the allocation of landing slots at London Heathrow Airport for the Nigerian airline, Air Peace. In his letter to UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, Keyamo made it clear that if Air Peace was not granted the requested slots at Heathrow, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic might face restrictions on their access to Nigeria’s major international airports in Lagos and Abuja.

Keyamo’s ultimatum is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to ensure fair treatment for its airlines in international markets, highlighting the country’s growing resolve to assert its rights in global aviation agreements. The minister emphasized that while British carriers enjoy unrestricted access to Nigeria’s premier airports, Air Peace has been relegated to using Gatwick Airport, a situation he described as a blatant violation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK. This agreement, established to promote reciprocal rights for airlines, has become a focal point of contention as Air Peace struggles to secure Heathrow slots, which are crucial for its commercial viability.

The UK government has yet to respond formally to Keyamo’s letter. The Daily Sun reached out to UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s office for comments, and the request was transferred to the Department of Transport. However, no detailed response has been provided so far. The Nigerian Minister’s office, through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Tunde Moshood, also confirmed that no response had been received from the UK government as of yet.

An analysis of the 38-page Nigeria-UK BASA, signed in 1988 and still administratively in force, revealed that while the agreement clearly addresses flight frequencies, it lacks provisions concerning airport slot allocation. This omission likely stems from the non-scarcity of slots at the time the agreement was drafted. In the UK, slot allocation at Heathrow is managed by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), an independent slot coordinator following International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, with no direct input from the UK government.

Industry experts have pointed out that the Nigeria-UK BASA designates city destinations rather than specific airports, which means that Heathrow is not explicitly mentioned in the agreement. They argue that since the UK government does not control airport slot allocation, the responsibility falls on Air Peace to independently secure the desired slots.

A review of the BASA in 2008 allowed for multiple airlines from each country and up to 21 passenger services per week. However, Nigeria’s lack of a national carrier has limited its ability to fully capitalize on these provisions, leading to the designation of domestic carriers like Air Peace as ‘flag carriers’ for the purpose of fulfilling these agreements.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recognized the importance of airport slot management due to capacity constraints at major airports, recommending that slot allocation systems prioritize fairness, non-discrimination, and transparency.

Aviation experts have mixed opinions on Keyamo’s approach. Some see his letter as a bold move that underscores Nigeria’s demand for fair treatment. They argue that by limiting Air Peace to Gatwick while British carriers have access to prime Nigerian airports, the UK is undermining Air Peace’s competitiveness. However, they also acknowledge that resolving this issue will require collaboration between aviation authorities, Heathrow ACL, and Air Peace.

Aviation expert Amos Akpan supported Keyamo’s stance, suggesting that the minister’s threat could pressure UK authorities to find slots for Air Peace at Heathrow. He emphasized the need for contingency plans to mitigate potential diplomatic tensions and minimize disruptions for passengers.

Meanwhile, Alex Nwuba, another industry expert, advised that while persistence is key, the minister should avoid public threats that could set a negative tone for negotiations. Nwuba emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in achieving a resolution that benefits both sides.

As the situation develops, the outcome of this standoff will likely have significant implications for the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry and its relations with the UK.