LAGOS — Air travel between Nigeria and South Africa has fallen sharply because of visa barriers, diplomatic tension and xenophobic attacks. South African data show 65,599 Nigerians visited the country in 2016, compared with 1,459 tourists in June 2026. Air Peace has suspended its Johannesburg service and South African Airways operates four flights a week on the Lagos route, often with loads below 60 per cent. SAA's country manager, Kemi Leke Bamtefa, told ThisDay that visas have become easier since the two countries agreed in October 2025 to introduce multiple-entry visas of up to five years and online applications.