The Government of Barbados has pledged to actively support Air Peace’s newly launched direct flight service from Lagos, Nigeria, to Barbados by promoting passenger traffic and creating an enabling environment for the route’s long-term success.
The airline commenced direct commercial flights between Lagos and Barbados on May 24, 2026, deploying a Boeing 777 aircraft that transported more than 284 passengers on its inaugural journey.
At a formal reception and media launch held at the Indigo Hotel in Barbados, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to the route, describing it as a major step toward strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The initiative is also backed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The event attracted several high-profile guests, including Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture, Shane Archer; Ambassador to CARICOM, David Commissiong; High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia, Juliet Sutherland-Bynoe; Ambassador-Designate of Panama, Xiomara Pérez; Venezuela’s Chargé d’Affaires, Martha Ortega Peraza; Afreximbank’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Okechukwu Ihejirika; tourism consultant Shelly Williams; and officials of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Speaking at the gathering, Gooding-Edghill described the launch of the direct route as a historic achievement for Barbados, the wider Caribbean and Africa.
He said the new air connection reflects the growing partnership between the two regions and would further establish Barbados as a key gateway to the Caribbean.
According to him, the arrival of Air Peace symbolizes years of efforts aimed at deepening economic, cultural and tourism relations between Africa and Caribbean nations.
The minister assured Air Peace that the Barbados government would play an active role in ensuring the route remains viable and profitable.
“We do not intend to be passive beneficiaries of this investment,” he stated. “Through our tourism agencies, investment bodies, diplomatic channels and private-sector partnerships, we will work to generate demand and create favourable conditions for the service to flourish.”
He expressed confidence that the route would grow beyond its first year of operation and serve as a model for future collaborations between African airlines and Caribbean destinations.
Also addressing participants, Afreximbank’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Okechukwu Ihejirika, reiterated the bank’s commitment to initiatives that promote trade, investment and connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.
He noted that efficient and sustainable air transport links remain critical to strengthening economic integration and expanding commercial opportunities across both regions.
Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the launch as the culmination of years of planning and cooperation aimed at bridging the geographical gap between Africa and the Caribbean.
He said the direct service marks the beginning of a new era in relations between both regions and is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
Ngala thanked the Government of Barbados, Afreximbank, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., diplomatic missions and other stakeholders whose support made the route possible.
In a related development, Air Peace has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of another Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
The aircraft, bearing registration number 5N-CGD, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on May 24, 2026, further advancing the airline’s fleet expansion and modernization strategy.
The Boeing 737-800 NG is configured with 189 Economy Class seats and is expected to improve operational efficiency, passenger comfort and schedule flexibility on domestic and regional routes.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, modern safety features, spacious cabin interiors, large overhead storage compartments and fuel-efficient engines, reinforcing Air Peace’s commitment to delivering reliable and efficient services across its network.
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