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Air Peace commenced direct Lagos–Conakry–Bamako flights, adding Guinea and Mali to its expanding West African route network.
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Government officials in Guinea and Mali said the new service is expected to boost trade, tourism, investment, cultural exchange, and bilateral relations with Nigeria.
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The airline said passengers can now connect seamlessly from its domestic network through Lagos to regional destinations as well as international routes, including London and the Caribbean.
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With the latest expansion, Air Peace now serves 13 destinations across West Africa, reinforcing its ambition to strengthen intra-African air connectivity and Nigeria’s aviation footprint.
Aug 03, (THEWILL) — Air Peace has expanded its regional operations with the inauguration of direct flight services on the Lagos–Conakry–Bamako route, a move expected to improve air connectivity across West Africa while strengthening commercial, diplomatic, and people-to-people links between Nigeria, Guinea, and Mali.
THEWILL reports that the inaugural flight departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, on Saturday, August 1, marking the airline’s latest route expansion and adding two strategic West African destinations to its growing regional network.
The development comes as African airlines and governments intensify efforts to improve intra-African air travel under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), initiatives designed to remove barriers to air transport, facilitate trade, and enhance regional integration.
Despite these efforts, direct air links between many African cities remain limited, forcing travellers to rely on lengthy connections outside the continent.
The Lagos–Conakry–Bamako service is expected to provide a more direct travel option for business executives, tourists, investors, and members of the Nigerian diaspora while supporting increased trade, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation among the three countries.
Guinea Welcomes New Air Link
The Air Peace delegation, led by the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, and Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustine Kamano, received an official welcome upon arrival at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry.
Among those who received the delegation were Guinea’s Minister of Transport, Ousmane Gaoul Diallo; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea, Ambassador Umaru Kamfu; Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Thiam Oumar Sekou; and members of the Nigerian community resident in Guinea.
Speaking during the reception, Diallo described the commencement of Air Peace operations as an important milestone in relations between Guinea and Nigeria, saying the direct connection would facilitate greater movement of people, expand trade opportunities, and strengthen economic cooperation between both countries.
The Director of Guinea’s Civil Aviation Authority, Thiam Oumar Sekou, said improved air connectivity remains critical to the development of the aviation sector and the broader goal of regional integration across West Africa.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea, Umaru Kamfu, commended Air Peace for expanding Nigeria’s aviation footprint on the continent, noting that the route would provide a more convenient travel option for Nigerians, Guineans, and other regional travellers while strengthening bilateral ties.
Speaking on behalf of the airline, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the inaugural service as another milestone in the carrier’s regional expansion programme.
He said the new Conakry and Bamako routes form part of Air Peace’s long-term strategy of building an extensive African network that allows passengers travelling from its domestic destinations to connect seamlessly through Lagos to regional destinations as well as international routes, including London and the Caribbean.
Ngala reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to improving connectivity across Africa and creating more opportunities for business, tourism, and economic growth through air transport.
Mali Joins Air Peace Network
Following the stop in Conakry, the inaugural flight proceeded to the Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako, where the delegation was received by the Deputy Director of Assistance Aéroportuaire du Mali, Abdrahamane Farota; the Technical Director of Assistance Aéroportuaire du Mali, Bahide Konandji, representing the Director-General of Mali Airport; and members of the Nigerian community in Mali.
Farota welcomed the commencement of Air Peace operations, describing the new route as an important development that would strengthen aviation links between Nigeria and Mali while promoting trade, tourism, and economic cooperation.
Representing the Director-General of Mali Airport, Konandji said the new service would improve connectivity between Mali, Nigeria, and other destinations served by Air Peace, while contributing to the continued growth of the country’s aviation sector.
Members of the Nigerian community in Mali also welcomed the direct service, saying it would significantly reduce travel challenges and strengthen commercial and social ties between both countries.
With the addition of Conakry and Bamako, Air Peace now operates to 13 destinations across West Africa, a regional network the airline has built within 11 years of commencing commercial operations.
The latest expansion further reinforces the airline’s growing presence in the regional aviation market and aligns with broader continental efforts to improve air transport connectivity, promote intra-African trade, and position Lagos as a key gateway for travel across Africa and beyond.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
