Air Peace Evacuation Flight Delayed Due to Technical Issues
An Air Peace flight designated to evacuate stranded Nigerians from South Africa was grounded at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport after a reported windshield malfunction. This unexpected issue necessitated the deployment of a replacement aircraft, according to information obtained by Premium Times.
Sources involved in the evacuation revealed that the incident occurred on a recent Tuesday, where the flight was poised to transport approximately 270 Nigerians back to their home country. Officials stated that the windshield of Flight P47668 was damaged just before the planned evacuation started, rendering the aircraft unfit for service.
In light of this situation, Air Peace quickly arranged for an alternative aircraft to facilitate the evacuation process. A source who is familiar with the logistics of the operation indicated that the federal government incurs costs ranging from $350,000 to $450,000 for each evacuation flight, a figure that has not yet been independently verified.
Details of the Incident
Air Peace spokesperson Osifo Whiskey Efe confirmed that the aircraft, intended to carry out the fourth evacuation flight from Johannesburg to Lagos, encountered a “technical problem” shortly after its arrival. A subsequent routine inspection revealed a crack in the co-pilot’s side windshield, prompting immediate safety protocols that suspended its operations.
In a statement to Premium Times, Efe elaborated that the airline had promptly notified government officials and passengers about the situation. To mitigate the inconvenience caused, the airline provided hotel accommodations and refreshments for those affected by the delay. A replacement Boeing 777 was dispatched from Lagos to ensure the evacuation could proceed as planned.
Government Response to Recent Xenophobic Attacks
This incident occurs in the context of recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa, including Nigerians, which spurred the Nigerian government to initiate evacuation efforts. Initially, the government had announced that returning citizens would need to cover their own flight costs. However, after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, funding was approved to make the evacuations free of charge for registered returnees.
As part of the preparation for the evacuation, screening of potential evacuees commenced on June 4. This coordinated effort involves the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South African national agencies like the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police Service, and the Immigration Department.
The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has indicated that over 1,000 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation, and the federal government plans to deploy five Air Peace flights to facilitate these efforts. The initial batch of evacuees is expected to return to Nigeria once logistical preparations are fully in place.
As aviation officials underscore the critical importance of compliance with safety and operational standards, this development highlights the ongoing challenges faced in executing special evacuation operations effectively.
