Nigeria will receive direct flights from the Caribbean nation Antigua and Barbuda. The scheduled direct flights are expected to begin from the fourth quarter of the year 2025 and will land in Lagos, as announced by the Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
The decision was made after the debate held in Parliament session on an Air Services Agreement with Rwanda. During the debate, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that negotiations are also going on with Ghana and other West African nations in order to improve the regional connectivity.
Considering this, PM Browne highlighted the significant role of Air Peace in keeping LIAT 2020 operational for more than a year. As they credited Nigerian airline’s investment with maintaining vital air links in the Caribbean region.
The upcoming route is expected to boost tourism, trade and cultural ties between the Caribbean and West Africa. PM Browne emphasized that this treaty is just one out of several agreements that the government aims to pursue, with negotiations that is currently underway with Ghana and other West African countries.
Air Peace shared a social media post which quoted, “In August 2023, we made history as the first Nigerian airline to fly direct to the Caribbean. Now, we’re set for another special flight to Antigua and Barbuda on October 30, 2023. A five-day business trip to explore the business and tourism sides of the twin-island nation. Let’s create ‘Caribbean’ memories together!”
Air Peace is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa which is hoping to operate a regular service between Nigeria and Antigua & Barbuda. The airline is currently operating a fleet of over 30 aircraft that flies to destinations such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The Antiguan government officials are courting Air Peace to join their efforts to revive the regional airline LIAT. Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Browne is hoping for Air Peace to become the majority shareholder in the reformed LIAT 2020.
In an official interview PM confirmed the proposed partnership that would see the airline operate under the LIAT brand with financing from Air Peace and regional shareholder governments. He further added that a proposed agreement would see Air Peace emerge as a 70% shareholder of LIAT.