Jamaica Joins Nigeria And Antigua In Air Peace’s Full Explanation Of Barbados Travel Disruptions, Attributed To Visa Complications

Published on December 30, 2025

Jamaica joins Nigeria and Antigua in acknowledging Air Peace’s detailed explanation regarding the recent travel disruptions to Barbados. The airline attributed these delays to visa complications, which have caused significant interruptions for passengers. In response, Air Peace has provided a thorough explanation to clarify the situation, helping to alleviate concerns and ensure transparency about the cause of the disruptions, which affected travelers across multiple destinations.

Air Peace, the largest airline in West and Central Africa, has categorically denied the allegations that it sold tickets for travel to Jamaica and then “dumped” passengers in Barbados, branding the claims as misleading and inconsistent with the actual events surrounding the incident. The airline issued a detailed statement to address the allegations and clarify the situation.

Air Peace underscored that the tickets sold were in full compliance with international aviation regulations and standard airline sales practices. The airline was quick to point out that at no point were passengers misled or deceived about their travel arrangements. The airline explained that it followed all required protocols in ensuring the proper handling of its passengers, which included conducting routine checks before departure.

The incident in question involved a series of routine pre-departure profiling and documentation checks conducted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. These checks revealed that some passengers did not have the necessary transit visas to travel through Antigua on their way to their final destinations, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

As per standard procedure, some of the affected passengers opted to take refunds for their tickets, while others chose to voluntarily request a reroute via Barbados, which does not require transit visas for Nigerian passport holders. This rerouting was in line with the airline’s commitment to ensuring passengers’ safety and compliance with immigration requirements.

However, an unexpected operational delay resulted in the affected passengers arriving in Barbados later than scheduled, causing them to miss their onward connections. Air Peace stated that the delays were beyond its control and the result of unforeseen circumstances that impacted the passengers’ journey. The delay led to passengers being unable to board their connecting flights, which they had booked with other airlines for the next leg of their travels.

Adding to the confusion, Air Peace revealed that the onward tickets held by the passengers, which had been booked with another airline for their journey from Barbados, were not honored by that airline. This failure left some of the passengers stranded in Barbados.

Compounding the difficulties, some passengers experienced further challenges when attempting to secure hotel accommodation. Unfortunately, several credit card transactions were declined, preventing these passengers from obtaining the necessary lodging. Moreover, Barbados immigration authorities raised concerns regarding the passengers’ return travel arrangements, further complicating the situation.

Despite these challenges, Air Peace emphasized that it did everything within its capacity to assist the passengers affected by the situation. Out of the group of passengers in question, 67 were granted entry into Barbados after individual assessments by immigration officials. These passengers were able to continue their journey to their final destinations, albeit after an unexpected and stressful delay.

However, not all passengers were permitted entry. A total of 25 passengers were denied entry by Barbados immigration authorities, following additional individual assessments. Air Peace made it clear that the decisions made by immigration authorities were entirely outside its control, and the airline had no influence over their determinations.

The airline maintained that it fulfilled its obligations by providing a refund option for affected passengers, offering voluntary rerouting for those who chose it, and providing on-the-ground assistance for those stranded. Air Peace also emphasized that it ensured the safe return of all affected passengers, following the airline’s high standards of customer care.

In its statement, Air Peace reiterated its commitment to professionalism, regulatory compliance, and providing high-quality customer service. The airline urged media organizations and the public to verify all facts with the relevant authorities before publishing such claims. The airline expressed concern over the spread of misleading information, which it believes was damaging to its reputation and the trust it has built with its passengers over the years.

As part of its statement, Air Peace called for greater care and diligence from media organizations, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters such as travel disruptions and passenger experiences. The airline stressed that the claims made in the media about the incident were not accurate, and it was essential for facts to be presented in a fair and balanced manner.

The airline also emphasized that such incidents, though unfortunate, were part of the broader challenges faced by airlines and passengers in a highly complex and regulated travel environment. Air Peace, as one of the largest airlines in the region, is well-versed in dealing with the intricacies of international travel, and the company takes great pride in ensuring that its operations are compliant with all aviation regulations and standards.

In conclusion, Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to resolving any travel disruptions in the best interests of its passengers and maintaining its position as a leading airline in West and Central Africa. The airline remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused services, which include transparent communication and swift resolutions to any issues that arise during travel.

Jamaica, along with Nigeria and Antigua, joins in acknowledging Air Peace’s explanation for the recent travel disruptions to Barbados, which were caused by visa complications.

As the airline continues to navigate complex travel scenarios, Air Peace’s commitment to customer care, regulatory compliance, and transparency will remain central to its operations. The airline called on all stakeholders, including passengers, media, and aviation authorities, to work together to ensure that accurate information is shared and that all travel disruptions are handled with the utmost professionalism and care.