FG confirms date for third South Africa evacuation flight for 271 Nigerians

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that the next voluntary evacuation flight bringing Nigerians home from South Africa will land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday with 271 returnees on board.

The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.

According to the ministry, the Air Peace-operated flight is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026.

It said the evacuation is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa.

“The third evacuation flight operated by Air Peace will depart Johannesburg today by 12 midnight with 271 returnees.

“The estimated time of arrival in Lagos is 5:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026,” the statement read.

The latest batch of returnees follows earlier evacuation flights that brought hundreds of Nigerians back to the country under the Federal Government’s voluntary repatriation programme.