The Federal Government has approved five evacuation flight operated by Air Peace Air Peace to repatriate Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions. More than 500 citizens have already been screened for return, with the exercise extended to June 10, 2026 to accommodate additional applicants.
The first flight is expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening, pending final aviation approvals, with about 270 passengers scheduled on the inaugural trip. The arrangement highlights how national emergencies often translate into rapid, government-backed aviation contracts for domestic carriers.
For Air Peace, the operation underscores both logistical capability and commercial opportunity in state-supported charters, reinforcing the growing role of Nigerian airlines in international emergency transport services. The move also reflects how geopolitical disruptions can temporarily reshape airline demand and route profitability.
