Air Peace extends African network with Lagos–Douala–Libreville inaugural service

Air Peace has strengthened its growing presence in Africa with the launch of its inaugural Lagos–Douala–Libreville flight, marking another major step in the airline’s drive to improve air connectivity across West and Central Africa and position Lagos as a strategic regional hub.

The new route, which commenced on Sunday, August 2, 2026, was introduced barely a day after the airline inaugurated its Lagos–Conakry–Bamako service, underscoring the carrier’s aggressive expansion strategy and its commitment to bridging the connectivity gap between African cities.

The Lagos–Douala–Libreville service links Nigeria with Cameroon and Gabon, opening up fresh opportunities for commerce, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges while making travel easier for businesses, government officials and thousands of Nigerians living across the Central African region.

The inaugural flight received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival at Douala International Airport, where officials of the Cameroonian government, airport authorities and representatives of the Nigerian community gathered to receive the Air Peace delegation.

The delegation was led by the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala, alongside the Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustine Kamano.

They were received by Mrs Suliat A. Paramole, Foreign Affairs Officer at the Nigerian Consulate General, representing Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cameroon; President-General of the Nigerian Community in Cameroon’s Littoral Region, Hon. Chief Sir Lovinus Ezeh; Deputy Chief of the Airport Security Unit, Lt. Col. Adolphe Nyamke Bongkwaha, representing the Douala Airport Authority; as well as officials of Cameroon’s Transport Regulator and Civil Aviation Authority.

Addressing guests during the reception, Mrs Paramole described the new service as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cameroon.

She said the direct air link would improve mobility between both countries, deepen economic cooperation and create additional opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.

According to her, enhanced connectivity is essential for promoting stronger diplomatic and commercial relations, adding that Air Peace’s entry into the route would make travelling between the two countries significantly more convenient.

The President-General of the Nigerian Community in the Littoral Region, Hon. Chief Sir Lovinus Ezeh, also welcomed the development, saying the commencement of direct flights would bring considerable relief to Nigerians resident in Cameroon.

He noted that many travellers had previously relied on indirect connections, resulting in longer journey times and higher travel costs.

“The arrival of Air Peace is a welcome development for our community. It will make travel easier, reduce transit stress and strengthen the relationship between Nigerians in Cameroon and their families and business partners back home,” he said.

Representing the Douala Airport Authority, Lt. Col. Bongkwaha described the airline’s arrival as an important boost to Douala’s aviation sector.

He said the route would further establish the city as a key gateway into Central Africa while encouraging increased passenger movement and commercial activities between Cameroon and Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Air Peace, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala, said the inauguration represented another significant achievement in the airline’s mission to build one of Africa’s most extensive route networks.

He said the Lagos–Douala–Libreville connection would provide passengers with more travel options while integrating seamlessly with the airline’s expanding domestic, regional and international operations.

According to him, Air Peace remains committed to creating an interconnected African aviation network where passengers from various Nigerian cities can conveniently connect through Lagos to destinations across Africa, London and the Caribbean.

Ngala noted that improved connectivity would support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by facilitating the movement of people, goods and services across national borders.

After departing Douala, the inaugural flight continued to Libreville, where Air Peace received another warm welcome from aviation authorities and members of the Nigerian community in Gabon.

Receiving the airline were the Director of Flight Operations of Gabon’s Agence Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, Mr Georges Renaud Maxime Moubamou Malekou; the Managing Director of Aéroport de Libreville, Mr Igor Simard; and the representative of the President of the Nigerian Community in Gabon, Mr Mike Iwu.

Welcoming the airline into Gabon, Mr Malekou described the commencement of the route as a positive development for regional aviation.

He said stronger air connectivity between Nigeria and Gabon would encourage business partnerships, tourism and cultural exchanges while promoting closer cooperation among African nations.

Mr Simard also expressed optimism that the new route would improve Libreville Airport’s connectivity with major destinations in West Africa and provide passengers with greater travel flexibility.

According to him, additional airline services would stimulate passenger traffic, support economic activities and reinforce Libreville’s position as an important aviation gateway in Central Africa.

Representing Nigerians living in Gabon, Mr Mike Iwu thanked Air Peace for introducing the route, noting that the direct connection would save travellers valuable time and reduce the inconvenience associated with multiple flight connections.

He said the service would also strengthen the relationship between Nigerians in Gabon and their home country by making family visits and business trips more accessible.

The launch of the Lagos–Douala–Libreville route further demonstrates Air Peace’s ambition to become Africa’s leading network carrier by connecting underserved markets and improving regional integration.

Within 48 hours, the airline had inaugurated two new regional services—Lagos–Conakry–Bamako and Lagos–Douala–Libreville—signalling a major expansion of its African operations.

Industry observers say the twin route launches reinforce Air Peace’s growing influence in African aviation and support broader continental efforts to improve connectivity, expand intra-African trade and reduce dependence on non-African transit hubs for travel within the continent.

For Air Peace, the addition of Douala and Libreville represents more than an expansion of destinations; it reflects the airline’s long-term vision of connecting African cities, facilitating economic growth and making regional travel more accessible, efficient and convenient for millions of passengers.