Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former senator and media entrepreneur Ben Murray-Bruce has called on Nigerians to rally behind indigenous airline Air Peace, describing the carrier's operations on the Nigeria–United Kingdom route as a testament to Nigerian ambition, resilience, and competitiveness on the global stage. Murray‑Bruce, who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the Senate and is the founder of the Silverbird Group, made the remarks while advocating greater patronage of Nigerian‑owned businesses.
The former senator took to his X account to react to what he described as low patronage of Air Peace despite its direct flights from Lagos and Abuja to London. He noted that it is contradictory for Nigerians to complain about the dominance of foreign airlines while failing to support the country's leading international carrier. “Only Nigerians can complain that foreign airlines dominate our skies, then refuse to fly the one Nigerian airline flying our flag proudly into London,” he wrote. Murray‑Bruce stressed that Air Peace ventured into one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets by operating direct flights from Abuja and Lagos to London, a move he said had disrupted the status quo and demonstrated that Nigerian businesses can compete successfully with established global brands. “Air Peace didn’t wait for permission. They entered one of the toughest routes in the world and disrupted the game,” he said.
To sweeten the deal for travellers, Murray‑Bruce highlighted a unique customer‑service offering: eligible business‑class passengers on Air Peace flights to London receive complimentary chauffeur‑driven transportation on arrival at no extra cost. He described the initiative as an example of premium service delivery and innovation that goes beyond mere air travel. The former senator argued that choosing Air Peace helps create jobs, strengthens Nigeria’s aviation industry, and projects a positive image of the country abroad. “Air Peace is not just flying to London; it is taking Nigeria with it,” he said, encouraging travellers heading to the United Kingdom to consider flying with the Nigerian carrier.
Air Peace’s entry into the London market has also triggered a price war that has benefited passengers. A one‑way economy ticket on Air Peace’s direct Lagos–London flight costs about ₦800,000 to ₦1 million, significantly undercutting many foreign rivals. For business class, Air Peace charges the cheapest one‑way fare on the route – around ₦1.9 million – compared to ₦2.1 million for Royal Air Maroc, ₦2.8 million for Qatar Airways, and ₦5.2 million for Lufthansa. The lower fares have forced other carriers to slash their prices, making international travel more affordable for Nigerians.
Air Peace’s London expansion was not achieved without a determined diplomatic effort. In March 2024, the airline launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick, marking its entry into the UK market. But the prized destination was always London Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports. After months of negotiations and a strongly worded letter from the Ministry of Aviation threatening reciprocal action against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, the UK authorities finally granted Air Peace a long‑awaited Heathrow slot. The airline began direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow on October 26, 2025. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo hailed the breakthrough as a diplomatic victory, stating that it sends “a clear message that we are serious about enforcing the terms of our bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of our indigenous carriers.”
Air Peace’s ambition on the London route does not stop at Lagos and Abuja. The airline has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport to London this summer, connecting the airport to both London Gatwick and Heathrow. The airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the route, underscoring its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s aviation footprint. Meanwhile, Air Peace has continued to grow its fleet. In May 2026, the airline took delivery of a new Boeing 737‑800 Next Generation aircraft, registered as 5N‑CGD, configured with 189 Economy Class seats. The addition is part of a strategic drive to meet rising passenger demand across domestic and regional routes.
As Nigeria’s largest carrier and a leading operator in West Africa, Air Peace has effectively become the country’s de facto flag‑carrier. Its tenacity on the London route and its willingness to compete head‑on with legacy carriers have won plaudits from many quarters. Murray‑Bruce’s intervention adds a powerful voice to the chorus urging Nigerians to support their own. With more Nigerians returning to the skies, the choice is now sharper than ever: pay more and fly foreign, or support a homegrown carrier that is taking the nation’s flag to the world.
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