May 26 (THEWILL) — The Government of Barbados, with the backing of the African Export-Import Bank, has formally welcomed Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, following the airline’s inaugural commercial flight from Lagos to Barbados on May 24, 2026, marking a significant milestone in efforts to deepen connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.
The high-level forum and media launch, held at the Indigo Hotel in Barbados, drew senior government officials, diplomats, tourism executives, airline representatives and stakeholders from both regions, underscoring growing institutional support for direct air connectivity as a catalyst for trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
Among the 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; Barbados High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia, Juliet Sutherland-Bynoe; Acting Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, Okechukwu Ihejirika; Chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Peter Harris; and the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin, among other aviation and travel stakeholders.
The launch comes after Air Peace confirmed scheduled services between Lagos and Barbados twice in a month, operating on the last two Mondays of every month, in what stakeholders described as a breakthrough in long-standing efforts to establish direct transportation links between Africa and the Caribbean.
Speaking at the event, Gooding-Edghill described the commencement 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.”
According to him, the route represents one of the clearest expressions of the strategic partnership both regions have sought to cultivate over the years, adding that the direct connection would strengthen Barbados’ position 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 commitment to ensuring the sustainability and long-term success of the route, stressing that authorities would actively collaborate with trade and investment agencies, tourism operators, diplomatic institutions and the private sector to stimulate demand and support the service.
“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 favourable conditions exist for this route to succeed”, he said.
The minister also expressed confidence that the route would evolve beyond its inaugural phase and become a model for mutually beneficial cooperation between African carriers and Caribbean states.
Also addressing the gathering, Ihejirika reaffirmed Afreximbank’s support for initiatives aimed at boosting trade, investment and regional integration between Africa and the Caribbean. He emphasised that sustainable air connectivity remains critical to unlocking deeper economic cooperation between both regions.
In his vote of thanks, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the successful launch as the culmination of years of collaboration and strategic engagement.
“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 symbolises stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean and opens new opportunities for tourism, trade and the travelling public”, Ngala said.
Ngala expressed appreciation to the Barbados government, Afreximbank, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and diplomatic stakeholders for supporting the launch of the new service.
He also commended the leadership of Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, for championing the airline’s broader vision to expand African connectivity beyond the continent.
According to him, the airline remains committed to promoting seamless travel, stronger economic exchange and enhanced people-to-people relations between Africa and the Caribbean through sustained direct air services.
The forum ended with renewed commitments from both African and Caribbean stakeholders to deepen cooperation and explore additional opportunities capable of strengthening long-term partnerships across tourism, trade, aviation and cultural exchange.
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.
