Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest privately-owned airline, has been striving to secure landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport to enhance its international operations. The airline’s initial application was unsuccessful due to late submission, prompting the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to advise a reapplication. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Festus Keyamo, clarified, “Air Peace missed out on the opportunity to apply. So, they have asked them to reapply.”
The Slot Allocation Process
Securing landing slots at major international airports like Heathrow is a complex process governed by strict timelines and regulations. Airlines must submit their seasonal flight plans well in advance to the independent slot coordinator, Airports Coordination Limited (ACL), which allocates slots based on availability and adherence to global guidelines. Moshood emphasized, “For instance, all the airlines are bringing letters for their summer itinerary that they are planning summer trips for approval. You have to submit your plan.” Air Peace’s initial failure to meet these deadlines resulted in the missed opportunity.
Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) Between Nigeria and the UK
The aviation relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is underpinned by a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which aims to provide equal opportunities for airlines from both countries. This agreement is designed to ensure reciprocity and fairness in air transport services.
Governmental Interventions and Responses
In response to Air Peace’s challenges in securing Heathrow slots, the Nigerian government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, formally expressed its concerns to the UK government. The minister warned that if Air Peace was not granted a landing slot at Heathrow, Nigeria might consider restricting UK airlines’ access to its major airports.
Responding to this, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, clarified that the UK government does not control slot allocations. She stated, “All foreign and domestic airlines seeking slots at coordinated airports in the UK are required to apply to the independent slot coordinator, Airports Coordination Limited, which allocates slots independently of the UK Government, using globally recognised guidelines and processes.” Haigh emphasized that ACL operates neutrally and transparently, without government intervention.
Air Peace’s Position and the Path Forward
Air Peace has reiterated its commitment to securing slots at Heathrow, citing the principle of reciprocity enshrined in the BASA. The airline’s management has indicated that it has reapplied for the desired slots and is awaiting the outcome. The Nigerian government has also indicated that it is handling the matter diplomatically to ensure a favorable resolution.
Conclusion
The situation underscores the complexities involved in international aviation operations, especially concerning slot allocations at congested airports like Heathrow. It also highlights the importance of timely applications and adherence to established procedures. As Air Peace awaits the outcome of its reapplication, the airline, along with the Nigerian government, continues to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian carriers receive equitable treatment in line with international agreements.
