The Government of Barbados has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Air Peace’s newly launched direct flight service between Lagos and Barbados, promising to create the right conditions for the route to thrive and attract more passengers.
Air Peace officially commenced commercial direct flights between Nigeria and Barbados on May 24, 2026, operating the route with a Boeing 777 aircraft that carried more than 284 passengers on its inaugural journey.
Speaking during a formal welcome ceremony and media launch held at the Indigo Hotel in Barbados, government officials highlighted the significance of the new air link and pledged continued support for its success. The initiative is being backed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which has played a key role in promoting stronger economic and transportation ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
The event attracted several prominent dignitaries, 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; Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Okechukwu Ihejirika; tourism consultant Shelly Williams; and officials of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Addressing participants, Gooding-Edghill described the launch of the direct air service as a historic milestone for Barbados, the Caribbean region and Africa.
According to him, the route represents one of the strongest expressions of the growing partnership between Africa and the Caribbean and positions Barbados as a strategic gateway into the Caribbean market.
He noted that the arrival of Air Peace symbolizes years of collaboration aimed at strengthening cultural, economic and tourism connections between both regions.
The minister assured the airline that Barbados would not remain a passive beneficiary of the investment but would actively work with tourism agencies, trade and investment institutions, diplomatic missions and the private sector to increase passenger traffic and promote the route.
“We are committed to ensuring this service succeeds. We will work through every available channel to stimulate demand and create favourable conditions for sustained operations,” he said.
Gooding-Edghill also expressed confidence that the service would grow beyond its first year and serve as a model for future partnerships between African airlines and Caribbean nations.
Also speaking at the event, Afreximbank’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Okechukwu Ihejirika, reiterated the bank’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen trade, investment and connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.
He stressed that reliable and sustainable air transport links are critical to achieving deeper economic integration and expanding commercial opportunities across both regions.
Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the successful launch as the culmination of years of planning and collaboration.
According to him, the direct connection marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Africa and the Caribbean, creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business and travel.
Ngala thanked the Government of Barbados, Afreximbank, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., diplomatic representatives and other stakeholders whose support helped make the route a reality.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has continued to expand its fleet with the acquisition of another Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
The aircraft, registered as 5N-CGD, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on May 24, 2026, further strengthening the airline’s fleet modernization programme.
Configured with 189 Economy Class seats, the aircraft is expected to improve operational efficiency, increase scheduling flexibility and enhance passenger comfort on domestic and regional routes.
The Boeing 737-800 NG features a spacious cabin, larger overhead storage compartments, advanced avionics, modern safety technology and fuel-efficient engines, making it one of the most widely used and reliable narrow-body aircraft in commercial aviation.
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