By John Umeh
In a heartening development, Nigerian airline Air Peace successfully airlifted dozens of stranded Nigerians from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, back to Nigeria after they were left in limbo due to a sudden travel disruption. The flight, which arrived in Lagos on Thursday morning, marked the end of a stressful ordeal for many of the passengers who had been waiting for weeks to return home.
The repatriation flight was organized after Air Peace, in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, responded to a growing need for assistance following a series of complications that left several Nigerians stranded in Ivory Coast. These issues ranged from visa challenges and flight cancellations to unexpected border closures, all of which severely disrupted their travel plans.
“This is a huge relief for us. I’m just so grateful to Air Peace and the Nigerian government for making this possible. We had been stuck here for a while, and many of us were desperate to get home,” said Adebayo Olayinka, one of the passengers, upon arrival in Lagos.
The flight, which was arranged at short notice, was part of Air Peace’s commitment to helping Nigerians facing travel difficulties across the African continent. The airline, which has gained recognition for its efforts in repatriating Nigerians stranded abroad, coordinated with the Nigerian Embassy in Ivory Coast to ensure a smooth and efficient process for those needing assistance.
Logistics and Coordination
The operation was praised for its seamless coordination. Air Peace deployed a Boeing 777 aircraft to bring back the passengers, ensuring that they received necessary support from both the airline and local officials. Upon arrival in Lagos, the passengers were met by representatives from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who provided guidance on the next steps.
Air Peace management explained that the company had been working closely with the Nigerian government to facilitate the return of citizens who had been stranded due to various disruptions in international travel.
“We are deeply committed to helping our citizens in need, wherever they are. It’s our duty to ensure their safe return, especially when unforeseen circumstances leave them stranded,” said Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, in a statement following the flight’s successful landing.
A History of Repatriations
This is not the first time Air Peace has stepped in to help Nigerians in distress. Over the past few years, the airline has become a lifeline for many who found themselves stranded due to political unrest, natural disasters, or, as in this case, travel complications. In 2019, Air Peace made headlines when it voluntarily brought home Nigerians stranded in South Africa during a period of xenophobic attacks, and more recently, the airline repatriated citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic’s travel restrictions.
Nigerian Government’s Efforts
The Nigerian government, through its embassies and consular services, has also been actively engaged in ensuring the safe return of citizens stranded across the globe. The Nigerian Mission in Ivory Coast played a pivotal role in providing assistance to the stranded passengers, facilitating the necessary documentation and coordinating with Air Peace for the special flight.
Ambassador Okey Emuchay, the Nigerian Ambassador to Ivory Coast, expressed his gratitude to Air Peace for its quick response. “We appreciate Air Peace for coming to the aid of our citizens. This is another testament to the strength of collaboration between the Nigerian government and private sector entities in addressing the needs of our people abroad.”
Looking Ahead
As international travel continues to face challenges from various global events, the role of private airlines like Air Peace has become even more crucial. The airline has indicated its readiness to continue offering support, especially in emergency or exceptional circumstances.
For the Nigerians now safely back on home soil, the journey was a reminder of the importance of solidarity and assistance, particularly in difficult times. Many of the returnees expressed their desire to move forward, putting the difficult experiences behind them as they reunited with their families.
