Air Peace has completed its second evacuation mission from South Africa, safely returning 271 stranded Nigerians in partnership with the Federal Government. The humanitarian operation reinforces the airline’s commitment to supporting national emergency response efforts and protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
The evacuation flight departed Johannesburg aboard Air Peace’s flagship Boeing 777-200 aircraft and landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The aircraft arrived at the Cargo and Hajj Terminal, where passengers underwent processing before reuniting with their families.
Evacuation mission strengthens humanitarian response
The latest evacuation mission was coordinated by the Federal Government following renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. The operation demonstrates Nigeria’s continued resolve to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens whenever emergencies arise overseas.
Meanwhile, the successful flight brings the total number of Nigerians evacuated by Air Peace during the ongoing South African exercise to 533. The airline had earlier airlifted 262 Nigerians on 11 June, further highlighting its readiness to deploy resources quickly during humanitarian crises.
Speaking on the successful operation, Air Peace spokesperson, Mr. Efe Osifo-Whiskey, praised the Federal Government for its swift intervention while recognising the leadership of the airline’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema.
“Today’s successful evacuation once again reflects the power of public-private collaboration in safeguarding Nigerian lives. We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad and appreciate our Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, whose enduring patriotism and humanitarian convictions continue to position Air Peace as a dependable national asset in times of need,” Osifo-Whiskey said.
The airline said the latest operation further strengthens its reputation as Nigeria’s leading humanitarian carrier. Since beginning commercial operations, Air Peace has undertaken more than 16 humanitarian and evacuation missions across Africa and beyond, supporting governments during conflicts, crises and emergency repatriation exercises.
In addition, the carrier has consistently deployed its fleet and operational expertise to transport thousands of people to safety while maintaining high standards of operational excellence and passenger welfare. These interventions have become a defining feature of the airline’s contribution to national and continental emergency response.
Air Peace also credited Dr. Allen Onyema’s humanitarian vision for driving many of the airline’s interventions. According to the airline, his commitment to national service and African solidarity continues to shape Air Peace’s role beyond commercial aviation, placing humanity at the centre of its operations.
As Nigeria and West Africa’s leading airline, Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives, connecting people safely and deploying its modern fleet whenever duty calls. The successful evacuation mission from South Africa further underscores the airline’s growing role in humanitarian aviation and emergency response across the continent.
