Air Peace to Launch Lagos-Antigua Flights by Late 2025

Key Takeaways

• Air Peace to launch direct Lagos-Antigua & Barbuda flights by Q4 2025, boosting tourism and trade.
• Air Peace Caribbean holds 70% of LIAT 2020; Antigua & Barbuda government owns 30%.
• New security measures prevent illegal migration after Antigua Airways collapse in early 2023.

Nigeria’s Air Peace to Launch Direct Flights from Lagos to Antigua & Barbuda by Late 2025

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, is preparing to start regular, direct flights between Lagos and Antigua & Barbuda by the fourth quarter of 2025. This move, confirmed by Antigua & Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne in late May 2025, marks a major step in connecting West Africa and the Caribbean. The announcement comes after months of negotiations and follows a series of successful charter flights in 2023. Both the airline and the government have publicly committed to this timeline, aiming to boost tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two regions.

What’s Happening: The New Air Bridge

Who: Air Peace, Nigeria’s biggest airline, in partnership with the government of Antigua & Barbuda
What: Launching regular, scheduled flights between Lagos and Antigua & Barbuda
When: By the fourth quarter of 2025 (October–December)
Where: Flights will run between Lagos, Nigeria, and V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua & Barbuda
Why: To increase tourism, trade, and investment, and to strengthen ties between West Africa and the Caribbean
How: Through a new partnership, with Air Peace Caribbean holding a 70% stake in LIAT 2020 (the regional Caribbean airline) and the Antigua & Barbuda government holding 30%

Why This Matters: Background and Context

This new route is not just about flights—it’s about building a bridge between two regions with deep historical and cultural connections. The plan follows the collapse of Antigua Airways, a previous attempt to connect West Africa and the Caribbean. Antigua Airways, a private-public partnership, briefly operated charter flights from West Africa in late 2022 but was shut down in January 2023 after serious concerns about passenger vetting and allegations of human trafficking. This led to a full review of passenger protocols and much stricter controls.

Air Peace stepped in after this setback. In August 2023, Air Peace became the first Nigerian airline to fly directly to Antigua & Barbuda, with a second special flight in October 2023. These flights were designed to test the market and explore business and tourism opportunities. The positive response from these charter flights encouraged both governments to pursue a regular, scheduled service.

The Air Peace and LIAT 2020 Partnership

A key part of this new air link is Air Peace’s investment in LIAT 2020. Air Peace Caribbean now owns 70% of LIAT 2020, while the Antigua & Barbuda government holds the remaining 30%. This partnership has kept LIAT operational and is central to the new air bridge between West Africa and the Caribbean. With this setup, Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport will serve as a hub, making it easier for passengers to connect to other Caribbean destinations.

Key facts:
– Air Peace operates over 30 aircraft and serves destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
– Nigeria’s population exceeds 200 million, representing a huge potential market for Caribbean tourism.
– Antigua & Barbuda is negotiating similar air service agreements with Ghana and other West African countries.

Government and Airline Statements

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua & Barbuda has been a strong supporter of the new route. He told parliament, “By the fourth quarter of this year, Air Peace will commence a scheduled flight between Antigua and Barbuda and Lagos.” He stressed that lessons from the Antigua Airways collapse have led to much stricter controls, with a focus on attracting “genuine, wealthy tourists from Nigeria.”

Stanley Olisa, spokesperson for Air Peace, said the new route will “foster further cooperation between the two nations and open up new investment opportunities.” He highlighted the potential for increased tourism and business, and the importance of building trust after past problems.

Air Peace Caribbean has also made it clear that it is separate from any legal controversies involving Air Peace Nigeria’s founder, Allen Onyema, although Onyema’s family members are shareholders in the Caribbean venture.

How Will the New Flights Work?

Step 1: Booking Your Flight

Once the route is officially launched, travelers will be able to book tickets directly through Air Peace’s official website (flyairpeace.com) or through authorized agents. Passengers are strongly advised to avoid third-party ads and scams, as only official channels can guarantee valid tickets and up-to-date information.

Step 2: Visa and Entry Requirements

Nigerian travelers will need to follow Antigua & Barbuda’s updated entry protocols. This includes possible pre-screening and providing certain documents before travel. These steps are part of new security measures designed to prevent illegal migration and human trafficking, problems that led to the suspension of Antigua Airways flights in 2023.

Travelers should check the official Antigua & Barbuda Immigration website for the latest entry requirements, including visa rules, health checks, and any other documentation needed.

Step 3: Arrival and Transit

Flights will operate between Lagos and Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport. From there, passengers can connect to other Caribbean destinations using LIAT 2020’s regional network. This setup is expected to make Antigua & Barbuda a key gateway for African travelers heading to the Caribbean.

Why the Route Matters: Implications for Stakeholders

For Travelers

• Direct flights mean shorter travel times and fewer layovers for Nigerians and other West Africans visiting the Caribbean.
• Easier access to Caribbean destinations for business, tourism, and family visits.
• Stricter immigration controls mean travelers should prepare all required documents and expect more thorough checks at both departure and arrival points.

For Antigua & Barbuda

• Boost in tourism: The government hopes to attract high-value visitors from Nigeria and other African countries, helping to diversify its tourism base.
• Increased investment: Direct flights can encourage business partnerships and new investments in hotels, resorts, and other sectors.
• Regional hub status: With Air Peace and LIAT 2020, Antigua & Barbuda can position itself as a major hub for travel between Africa and the Caribbean.

For Nigeria

• More international travel options: Air Peace’s expansion gives Nigerians more choices for long-haul travel.
• Business opportunities: The new route could open doors for Nigerian businesses looking to invest or trade in the Caribbean.
• Stronger diplomatic ties: The flights are part of a broader push to build closer relationships between Africa and the Caribbean.

For the Aviation Sector

• New market opportunities: The route is part of a wider trend of growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with Air Peace leading the way.
• Regional connectivity: The partnership with LIAT 2020 helps keep regional air travel alive in the Caribbean, which has struggled since the collapse of the original LIAT airline.

Lessons from the Past: Antigua Airways Collapse

The excitement around the new Air Peace route is tempered by memories of the Antigua Airways collapse. That venture, which started in late 2022, ended quickly after reports of poor passenger vetting and allegations of human trafficking. Flights were suspended in January 2023, and the government launched a full review of its immigration and security protocols.

Prime Minister Browne has said that the government has learned from these mistakes. New controls are in place to ensure that only genuine tourists and business travelers are allowed entry. Regional authorities have also increased scrutiny of African arrivals to prevent illegal migration and trafficking.

Policy Changes and Security Measures

To avoid repeating past problems, Antigua & Barbuda has introduced several new measures:

• Enhanced passenger vetting: All travelers from Nigeria and other West African countries will be subject to stricter background checks.
• Updated entry protocols: Travelers may need to provide proof of funds, hotel bookings, and return tickets.
• Closer cooperation with airlines: Air Peace is working closely with immigration authorities to ensure that only eligible passengers are allowed to board flights.
• Regional coordination: Other Caribbean countries are watching closely and may adopt similar controls if the new route proves successful.

What’s Next: Future Outlook

Both governments are optimistic about the new route’s potential. Antigua & Barbuda is already negotiating similar air service agreements with Ghana and other West African nations. The goal is to make the Caribbean more accessible to African travelers and to encourage more business and cultural exchanges.

Air Peace’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, has said that the airline sees Antigua & Barbuda becoming a popular destination for Nigerian travelers. The airline’s investment in LIAT 2020 is expected to keep regional air travel strong, even as other airlines struggle.

However, the success of the new route will depend on several factors:

• Effective security protocols: Authorities must ensure that new controls are strong enough to prevent illegal migration and trafficking.
• Sustainable passenger numbers: The route needs enough demand to remain profitable over the long term.
• Continued government support: Both governments must keep working together to solve any problems that arise.

Quantitative Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at the key facts:

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you’re interested in traveling from Lagos to Antigua & Barbuda once the new route launches, here’s what you can do to prepare:

• Stay informed: Check the Air Peace official website for updates on the launch date and ticket availability.
• Review visa requirements: Visit the Antigua & Barbuda Immigration website for the latest entry rules and required documents.
• Prepare your documents: Make sure your passport is valid, and gather any other documents you may need, such as proof of funds or hotel bookings.
• Book early: Once tickets go on sale, book early to secure your seat and avoid last-minute price increases.
• Watch out for scams: Only buy tickets from official sources to avoid fraud.

Multiple Perspectives: Supporters and Critics

Government officials in Antigua & Barbuda see the new route as a way to boost the economy, attract new visitors, and build stronger ties with Africa. They believe that the lessons learned from the Antigua Airways collapse will help prevent similar problems in the future.

Opposition members and some regional observers remain cautious. They worry that even with new controls, there is still a risk of illegal migration and trafficking. They also question whether there will be enough demand to keep the route profitable.

Aviation experts in Nigeria are optimistic. They see Air Peace’s expansion as part of a larger trend of growth in the country’s aviation sector. They believe that direct flights to the Caribbean will open up new opportunities for both business and tourism.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Air Peace Official Website: flyairpeace.com
• Air Peace Call Center: 020-1343-8133
• Booking and Business Inquiries: [email protected]
• Antigua & Barbuda Immigration: immigration.gov.ag

For the latest government updates, travelers can check the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism in Antigua & Barbuda.

Conclusion: A New Era for Africa-Caribbean Travel

The planned launch of direct Air Peace flights between Lagos and Antigua & Barbuda by late 2025 is a major milestone for both regions. It reflects months of hard work, lessons learned from past failures, and a shared vision for deeper economic and cultural ties. While challenges remain—especially around immigration controls and passenger vetting—both governments are hopeful that this new route will bring lasting benefits.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the initiative is being closely watched by other countries in West Africa and the Caribbean, who may follow suit if the route proves successful. For travelers, businesses, and policymakers, the new Air Peace flights represent a fresh start and a chance to build stronger connections across the Atlantic.

Actionable Takeaway: If you’re planning to travel between Nigeria and Antigua & Barbuda, keep an eye on official announcements, prepare your documents, and be ready to take advantage of this new, historic air link when it launches in late 2025.

Learn Today

Air Peace → Nigeria’s largest airline operating flights across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
LIAT 2020 → A regional Caribbean airline with 70% ownership by Air Peace Caribbean and 30% by Antigua & Barbuda.
Charter Flights → Non-regular flights used to test markets or serve special demand before scheduled routes begin.
Human Trafficking → Illegal trade of people, which marred previous airline operations causing regulatory shutdown.
Pre-screening → Security process requiring travelers to provide documents and information before boarding to ensure safety.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air Peace will start direct flights from Lagos to Antigua & Barbuda by late 2025, opening new routes for tourism and business, with strict immigration controls ensuring safe travel after past airline failures.
— By VisaVerge.com