Aviation
FOLLOWING Air Peace’s inaugural commercial direct flight from Lagos to Barbados, Government of Barbados has said it will make efforts to stimulate demand and ensure that favourable conditions exist for the route to succeed.
On May 24, 2026, the airline launched a direct air service between both countries using a Boeing 777 aircraft with over 284 passengers on board.
While formally welcoming Air Peace at a forum and media launch held at the Indigo Hotel in Barbados, Government of Barbados, with the support of the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, reiterated its commitment to supporting the new route.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport; Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture; Ambassador David Commissiong, Ambassador to CARICOM; Juliet Sutherland-Bynoe, High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia; Xiomara Pérez, Ambassador-Designate of the Embassy of Panama; Martha Ortega Peraza, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela; Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Mr. Okechukwu Ihejirika; Consultant Shelly Williams; Chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Speaking at the event, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, described the launch of direct air service between Lagos and Barbados as “a landmark occasion for Barbados, for the Caribbean and for deepening relations between the region and the African continent.”
He noted that the new route represents “the most tangible expression yet” of the strategic relationship both regions have sought to strengthen over time, adding that direct connectivity from Lagos to Barbados would further 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. Reaffirming Barbados’ commitment to the partnership, Gooding-Edghill assured the airline of the government’s active support in ensuring the sustainability and long-term success of the service.
“We have no intention of being passive beneficiaries of your investment,” he 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 further expressed optimism that the service would expand beyond its inaugural year and become a model for mutually beneficial cooperation between Caribbean states and African carriers.
Also speaking at the forum, Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Mr. Okechukwu Ihejirika, reiterated the institution’s commitment to initiatives that advance trade, investment and connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean, including Air Peace’s commercial operations between Lagos and Barbados. He emphasized the strategic importance of sustainable air transport links in achieving deeper regional integration and economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace Limited, Mr Nowel Ngala, described the successful launch as the culmination of years of collaborative effort aimed at bridging Africa and the Caribbean through direct air travel.
“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.”
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Barbados, Afreximbank, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., diplomatic representatives and all stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful commencement of operations. In a related development, Air Peace has taken delivery of another Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. The newly acquired aircraft, with registration number 5N-CGD, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the airline’s continuous fleet growth and modernization programme.
Configured with 189 Economy Class seats, the Boeing 737-800 NG would enhance passenger comfort, operational efficiency and scheduling flexibility across both domestic and regional routes. The aircraft features a spacious cabin layout, generous overhead storage, advanced avionics, modern safety systems and fuel-efficient engines, making it one of the world’s most dependable and successful narrow-body aircraft.
Vanguard
A.I
May 30, 2026
Tags: Afreximbank African Export-Import Bank Air Peace Limited Barbados Mr Nowel Ngala