The Government of Barbados, with support from African Export-Import Bank, has formally welcomed Air Peace following the airline’s inaugural commercial flight from Lagos to Barbados on May 24, 2026.

The high-level forum and media launch, held at the Indigo Hotel in Barbados, brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism executives, airline representatives and other stakeholders in a move aimed at strengthening commercial, tourism and cultural links between Africa and the Caribbean through direct air connectivity.

Among dignitaries present were 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; and Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Okechukwu Ihejirika.

The launch follows Air Peace’s announcement of twice-monthly scheduled flights between Lagos and Barbados, operating on the last two Mondays of every month.

Speaking at the event, Gooding-Edghill described the new route as “a landmark occasion for Barbados, for the Caribbean and for deepening relations between the region and the African continent.”

He said the direct route represented “the most tangible expression yet” of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between both regions and would position Barbados as a gateway into the Caribbean.

“When Air Peace flies into Barbados, it does so carrying the weight of a relationship that both regions have been working toward,” the minister stated.

He assured the airline of the Barbadian government’s support to ensure the route succeeds commercially and operationally.

“We have no intention of being passive beneficiaries of your investment,” Gooding-Edghill said.

“We will work through our trade and investment bodies, tourism agencies, private sector and diplomatic channels to stimulate demand and ensure favorable conditions exist for this route to succeed.”

He also expressed confidence that the service would extend beyond its inaugural year and become a model for cooperation between African airlines and Caribbean states.

Ihejirika reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen trade, investment and connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean, noting the importance of sustainable air transport links in driving regional integration and economic cooperation.

In his remarks, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the launch as the outcome of years of collaboration aimed at linking Africa and the Caribbean through direct flights.

“Today marks the end of the long road to making this airlift connection possible, and the beginning of a new journey that has now been created,” Ngala said.

“It symbolizes stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean and opens new opportunities for tourism, trade and the traveling public.”

Ngala thanked the Government of Barbados, Afreximbank, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and diplomatic representatives for supporting the commencement of operations.

He also praised Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, for advancing the airline’s vision of expanding African connectivity beyond the continent.

The forum ended with renewed commitments from Caribbean and African stakeholders to deepen cooperation across tourism, trade, culture and aviation. (Arise News)

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