Photo caption: Gateway Airport
By Emeka Ugwuanyi
The Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, has said that the state is on course to establish direct air links to the United Kingdom, following plans by Air Peace to commence flights from the Gateway International Airport to London this summer.
Abiodun, who spoke after an inspection of the airport alongside Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, said the move reflects growing investor confidence in the state’s aviation infrastructure and economic direction.
According to him, the planned operations to Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport will open up Ogun State to increased trade, tourism and business travel, while easing pressure on existing international gateways.
“This airport was conceived to serve our people and support economic growth. What we are seeing now is that vision taking shape,” the governor said.
He added that cargo activities had already commenced at the airport, with projections indicating up to 50 cargo flights between April and year-end, a development expected to support exporters and manufacturers within Ogun and neighbouring states.
The Governor the state noted that discussions with multiple international and regional operators were ongoing, positioning the airport as a viable alternative for passenger and cargo movement in the Southwest.
Onyema, in his remarks, said Air Peace decided to key into the project after assessing the quality of infrastructure at the facility.
“This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa. We will deploy our Boeing 777 aircraft for the London route because the runway and facilities can support it,” he said.
The inspection followed the recent commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With the planned London operations and growing cargo traffic, Abiodun expressed confidence that Gateway International Airport would strengthen Ogun State’s position as a key economic hub in Nigeria.
