Air Peace Repatriates 271 More Nigerians from South Africa, Total Evacuees Rise to 533
Air Peace has concluded its second humanitarian evacuation flight from South Africa, safely returning 271 stranded Nigerians to Lagos in an operation coordinated with the Federal Government amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of the southern African nation.
The rescue flight, operated with the airline’s Boeing 777-200 wide-body aircraft, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at approximately 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday, 30 June 2026.
The aircraft was received at the airport’s Cargo and Hajj Terminal, where the returning Nigerians underwent the necessary processing before reuniting with their families.
The evacuation formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to safeguard Nigerians living abroad, particularly those affected by insecurity and xenophobic incidents reported in sections of South Africa.
The operation highlighted the continued collaboration between government institutions and the private sector in responding swiftly to humanitarian emergencies involving Nigerian citizens overseas.
The latest mission increased the number of Nigerians repatriated by Air Peace under the ongoing evacuation exercise to 533. The airline had earlier brought home 262 Nigerians during its first evacuation flight from Johannesburg on 11 June 2026.
Air Peace described the successful completion of the two missions as evidence of its operational capability and readiness to support national emergency response initiatives whenever called upon.
Speaking after the arrival of the flight, the airline’s spokesman, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey, praised the Federal Government for acting promptly to facilitate the evacuation of Nigerians caught up in the crisis.
He said the successful operation demonstrated what could be achieved through effective collaboration between public institutions and private organisations in protecting the lives and welfare of citizens.
Osifo-Whiskey also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the safety of Nigerians living abroad and acknowledged the commitment of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, to humanitarian service.
According to him, Onyema’s longstanding philosophy of placing humanity above commercial considerations has continued to position Air Peace as a dependable partner during national emergencies.
He noted that the airline remained committed to making its aircraft, personnel and operational resources available whenever required to support humanitarian interventions and emergency evacuations.
Air Peace said the South African evacuation further strengthened its reputation as one of Africa’s leading humanitarian carriers.
Since beginning commercial operations, the airline has undertaken more than 16 humanitarian and evacuation missions within Africa and beyond, assisting governments and international organisations in evacuating people from conflict zones, health emergencies and other crisis situations.
The carrier added that it has consistently deployed its fleet to support relief efforts during periods of national and regional emergencies, transporting thousands of passengers to safety while maintaining high standards of operational efficiency and passenger care.
The airline maintained that its humanitarian activities reflect a broader commitment to national service and African solidarity, values that have become central to its corporate identity.
Air Peace reaffirmed its resolve to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, while remaining prepared to deploy its world-class fleet whenever humanitarian duty demands.
