The issue of slot allocation is stalling the commencement of direct flights to London by Nigeria’s foremost airline, Air Peace, it has been revealed.
However, the federal government through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo has stepped in to resolve the lingering issues.
Keyamo last week held discussions with the UK Department for Transport on how Air Peace can obtain favourable slot allocation to enable it to operate non-stop flights to London.
It was learnt that already the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had done all the groundwork by obtaining the Third Country Operator (TCO) certificate, which enables Air Peace and other Nigerian airlines to fly to the UK and other European countries.
Following this, Air Peace received approval to operate to Gatwick Airport in London from Lagos.
However, it was learnt that the airline was given ad-hoc slots, which are not suitable for scheduled flight service.
“The airline is hereby demanding for a proper slot allocation, which will enable it to plan a fixed and workable departure and arrival time,” the source said.
To address the issue, the minister met with UK authorities, assuring that he would not rest until this problem is resolved so that Air Peace, a Nigerian carrier, will start operation to London.
Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood confirmed in a statement that the minister engaged in discussions with his counterpart from the UK Department for Transport to address challenges related to slot allocation for Air Peace’ operations at Gatwick Airport.
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