Enugu Air has secured regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, marking a major step in the state-owned airline’s international expansion.
The airline also announced that bookings for the new route are now open, with intending passengers able to make reservations through its online booking portal.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the airline described the approval as a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The development comes about six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.
According to the statement, the Lagos-London Gatwick service will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner for the route.
The airline said the new service would improve connectivity between both countries while creating opportunities for passengers, trade, tourism and investment.
It also credited the development to the aviation vision of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, whose administration is pursuing an integrated transport strategy aimed at positioning the state as an emerging centre for international connectivity.
Enugu Air was launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft comprising the E170 and E190 series.
The airline was established as part of the Mbah administration’s broader plan to develop a modern, multimodal transport system and position Enugu as a major aviation hub.
The commencement of the Lagos-London route in December is expected to further expand the airline’s operations beyond Nigeria and strengthen its presence in the international aviation market.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
