Air Peace has concluded the federal government’s humanitarian evacuation from South Africa, returning the final batch of 308 Nigerians aboard its Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Air Peace said the incident occurred after a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by NAHCO collided with one of the aircraft’s engines.
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
Air Peace has completed the fourth phase of the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, bringing another 284 Nigerians home.
The disclosure was made in a statement by the airline’s spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Mr Ebienfa gave the assurance in a statement in Abuja to mark the arrival of the second batch of Nigerian evacuees from Johannesburg.
“Over 90 per cent of international passenger traffic from Nigeria is still being carried by foreign airlines,” he said.
The ambassador commended effective coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria.
The indebted airlines are Air Peace, Ibom Air, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.
An update by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria stated that the movement to Mecca commenced after the pilgrims had spent four days in Medinah.
