An Air Peace plane set to evacuate stranded Nigerians from South Africa could not take off after its windshield reportedly broke in Johannesburg. This forced the airline to send a replacement aircraft.
Sources close to the evacuation told PREMIUM TIMES that this incident happened on Tuesday in Johannesburg. The plane was meant to pick up around 270 Nigerians.
The aircraft, operating as Flight P47668, could not proceed with the evacuation after the windshield broke before the operation began.
Air Peace then sent another aircraft to carry out the evacuation.
A source involved in the operation shared with PREMIUM TIMES that the Federal Government pays between $350,000 to $450,000 per evacuation flight. This figure has not been verified independently by the newspaper.
In response to PREMIUM TIMES’ questions, Air Peace spokesperson Osifo Whiskey-Efe confirmed that the aircraft assigned for its fourth evacuation flight from Johannesburg to Lagos encountered “a technical issue” after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport.
The spokesperson explained that a routine check after the flight found a crack on the co-pilot’s windshield. This led to the immediate withdrawal of the aircraft from service as per the airline’s safety rules.
Osifo Whiskey-Efe said Air Peace informed the necessary government authorities and the affected passengers about the situation. The airline arranged hotel accommodation and provided food for the passengers. They also sent a replacement Boeing 777 from Lagos to complete the evacuation.
“The replacement Boeing 777 has left Lagos for Johannesburg and is expected to bring the evacuees back to Nigeria tomorrow,” the spokesperson stated. He added that the airline prioritizes safety over flight schedules.
The Federal Government approved the evacuation of Nigerians stuck in South Africa due to renewed xenophobic attacks on foreigners, including Nigerians.
Initially, the government said Nigerians wanting to return would pay for their flights. But they later changed this decision after President Bola Tinubu approved funding for the evacuation, making it free for those who registered to return.
Screening for potential evacuees began on June 4. This involved a joint effort by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South African Police, and immigration officials.
According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), over 1,000 Nigerians signed up for the voluntary return. The commission also said the Federal Government planned to send five Air Peace flights for this operation, with the first group of evacuees expected to return to Nigeria once arrangements are finalized.
This latest situation comes as aviation experts continue to highlight the need for ensuring that aircraft used for special evacuation operations meet all safety and operational standards.
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