Nigeria’s Air Peace Plans Flights to Antigua and Barbuda by Late 2025

Nigeria’s Air Peace Plans Direct Flights to Antigua and Barbuda by Late 2025

Antigua and Barbuda is engaged in advanced negotiations with Nigeria’s Air Peace airline to establish scheduled flights between Lagos and the Caribbean nation by the fourth quarter of 2025, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed. Addressing parliament, Browne indicated that discussions remain ongoing and expressed optimism about the launch timeline. Efforts to obtain a comment from Air Peace have so far been unsuccessful.

This development forms part of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader strategy to enhance air connectivity with Africa. During the same parliamentary session, Browne highlighted the recent ratification of an air services agreement with Rwanda and noted that similar bilateral accords with Ghana and other West African countries are anticipated in the near future.

Implications for Regional Travel and Trade

The introduction of a direct Air Peace route between Lagos and Antigua and Barbuda has the potential to significantly alter regional travel patterns. It may prompt competing airlines to reconsider their service offerings in response to the new connection. More importantly, the route is expected to stimulate tourism and commercial exchanges between West Africa and the Caribbean, creating new economic opportunities for both regions.

Historical Context and Operational Challenges

Air Peace has previously operated two charter flights to Antigua and Barbuda, conducted in August and October 2023. These followed the short-lived operations of Antigua Airways, a public-private venture involving Nigerian and Antiguan partners, which provided charter services from West Africa in late 2022. Antigua Airways was suspended in January 2023 amid concerns related to passenger vetting and allegations of human trafficking. In response, the Antiguan government undertook a comprehensive review and implemented stricter passenger screening protocols.

Reflecting on these past difficulties, Prime Minister Browne acknowledged the lessons learned and emphasized the introduction of improved controls. He underscored that the renewed partnership with Air Peace aims to attract “genuine, wealthy tourists from Nigeria,” signaling a more targeted and secure approach to air travel between the two countries.

Expanding Influence in the Caribbean Aviation Sector

The planned Air Peace flights coincide with the airline’s expanding footprint in the Caribbean. Air Peace Caribbean recently acquired a 70% majority stake in LIAT 2020, the successor to the defunct regional carrier LIAT, with the Antiguan government retaining the remaining 30%. LIAT 2020 is tasked with restoring and enhancing inter-island air connectivity across the Caribbean.

Despite efforts by Air Peace Caribbean to distinguish itself from its Nigerian counterpart and its chairman, Allen Onyema—who is currently facing legal challenges in the United States—the two entities remain closely connected. Notably, Onyema is not directly involved in Air Peace Caribbean’s operations; however, its five private shareholders include his wife, Alice Onyema, who serves as vice-chairwoman of Air Peace Nigeria, along with their four children, all of whom hold directorships at Air Peace Nigeria.

As Antigua and Barbuda advances its plans to establish direct air links with Lagos, the government is positioning the country as a strategic gateway for increased tourism and trade with Africa. The progress and outcome of the ongoing negotiations with Air Peace will be closely monitored by industry observers and regional competitors alike.