Barbados Hails Air Peace Route as Major Boost for Africa-Caribbean Relations
By Admin, Lagos
The Government of Barbados, with the support of 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 Hotel Indigo Barbados, brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism executives, airline representatives and key stakeholders, highlighting growing support for stronger connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Speaking at the event, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, described the new Lagos-Barbados route as “a landmark occasion for Barbados, for the Caribbean and for deepening relations between the region and the African continent.”
According to him, the direct service represents “the most tangible expression yet” of efforts to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, while positioning Barbados as a gateway into the region.
“When Air Peace flies into Barbados, it does so carrying the weight of a relationship that both regions have been working toward,” he stated.
Gooding-Edghill also assured the airline of the Barbadian government’s support toward sustaining the route.
“We have no intention of being passive beneficiaries of your investment. 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 said
Also speaking, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Okechukwu Ihejirika, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to initiatives that promote trade, investment and connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean, noting the importance of sustainable air transport links in deepening regional integration.
In his remarks, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the launch as the result of years of collaboration aimed at bridging both regions 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. It symbolizes stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean and opens new opportunities for tourism, trade and the traveling public.” Ngala expressed.
He commended the Government of Barbados, Afreximbank and other stakeholders for supporting the successful commencement of operations, while also acknowledging the leadership of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, for driving the airline’s expansion vision.
Air Peace recently confirmed that the Lagos-Barbados service would operate twice monthly on the last two Mondays of every month, as part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism, trade and cultural exchange between Africa and the Caribbean.