🛫 Nigerian Departure Airports
Lagos (LOS)
Murtala Muhammed International Airport
The main hub for international flights from Nigeria. Most European airlines operate from here with direct connections to Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and London.
Abuja (ABV)
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Growing international connections. British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian operate from here. Generally less crowded than Lagos.
✈️ Direct Flight Airlines
These airlines fly non-stop from Nigeria to Europe:
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Lagos → Amsterdam⭐ Most popular choice for Nigerians. Amsterdam is an excellent hub for connecting to all of Europe. Good service and reputation.
Air France
Lagos → Paris CDGGreat for France and Southern Europe connections. Paris CDG is a major hub.
Lufthansa
Lagos → FrankfurtGerman efficiency! Frankfurt is a major European hub. Great for Central and Eastern Europe connections.
British Airways
Lagos/Abuja → London HeathrowVirgin Atlantic
Lagos → London HeathrowGreat service, modern fleet. Often has competitive prices to London.
🔄 Connecting Flight Airlines
These airlines offer competitive prices but require a layover. Often cheaper than direct flights!
Turkish Airlines
Lagos → Istanbul → Europe
- ✓ Often the cheapest option
- ✓ Istanbul airport is beautiful
- ✓ 2-4 hour layovers typical
- ✓ Excellent food on board
From ₦650K round-trip
Emirates
Lagos → Dubai → Europe
- ✓ Premium experience
- ✓ Dubai layover can be fun
- ✓ Great entertainment system
- ✓ Longer but comfortable
From ₦800K round-trip
Ethiopian Airlines
Lagos/Abuja → Addis Ababa → Europe
- ✓ Star Alliance partner
- ✓ Competitive prices
- ✓ Good for Italy, Germany
- ✓ Flies from Abuja too
From ₦700K round-trip
Qatar Airways
Lagos → Doha → Europe
- ✓ Award-winning service
- ✓ Modern fleet
- ✓ Doha airport is amazing
- ✓ Good UK connections
From ₦750K round-trip
EgyptAir
Lagos → Cairo → Europe
- ✓ Budget-friendly option
- ✓ Shorter connection
- ✓ Star Alliance member
- ✓ Good for Southern Europe
From ₦600K round-trip
RwandAir
Lagos → Kigali → Europe
- ✓ Growing network
- ✓ Good service
- ✓ London connections
- ✓ Competitive pricing
From ₦700K round-trip
💰 Price Guide (Round-Trip Economy)
📅 When are Low/High Seasons?
- Low season (cheapest): January-March, October-November (except school holidays)
- High season (expensive): June-August, December, Easter period
- Best time to book: 2-3 months in advance for best prices
- Last minute: Usually expensive, avoid if possible
💡 Smart Booking Tips
Book 2-3 Months Ahead
Prices are usually lowest 6-8 weeks before departure. Last-minute bookings are almost always more expensive!
Fly Midweek
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday flights are often ₦50,000-100,000 cheaper than Friday/Sunday flights.
Set Price Alerts
Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices. They'll notify you when prices drop for your route.
Consider Open Jaw
Fly into one city, out of another (e.g., into Amsterdam, out of Paris). Can be cheaper and lets you see more!
Don't Buy Non-Refundable Before Visa!
Get a refundable booking or "hold" reservation until your visa is approved. You don't want to lose ₦1M if rejected!
Check Baggage Allowance
Budget airlines charge extra for baggage. Factor this into your price comparison — 23kg checked bag can add ₦50-100K.
📱 Where to Book
🇳🇬 Nigerian Platforms
Pay in Naira, local support
- Wakanow.com — Largest Nigerian travel platform
- Travelstart.com.ng — Good comparison tool
- Jumia Travel — Sometimes has deals
🌍 International Sites
More options, USD/EUR pricing
- Google Flights — Best for comparing all options
- Skyscanner — Shows prices across many sites
- Kayak — Good for finding deals
✈️ Airline Websites
Sometimes exclusive deals
- klm.com — KLM direct booking
- airfrance.com — Air France deals
- turkishairlines.com — Turkish promos
💡 Pro Tip
Compare prices on Google Flights first, then check if the airline's own website has a better deal. Sometimes booking direct gives you more flexibility for changes.
🏃 Departure Day at Lagos Airport
Arrive at Airport
Lagos airport can be chaotic. Give yourself plenty of time. Traffic to the airport can be unpredictable.
Check-in & Baggage Drop
Have your passport, ticket, and visa ready. Weight limit is usually 23kg for economy. Weigh your bag at home!
Immigration & Security
Present your passport, boarding pass, and visa. Answer any questions confidently. They may ask about your trip.
Airside / Departure Lounge
Relax, grab food, do last-minute shopping. Exchange some Naira for Euros at the bureau de change (rates aren't great, but convenient).
Go to Your Gate
Gates can be far away — don't wait until the last minute. Boarding usually starts 30-40 minutes before departure.
✅ Pre-Flight Checklist
📄 Documents (CARRY-ON!)
- ☐ Passport (with valid visa!)
- ☐ Flight ticket / booking confirmation
- ☐ Travel insurance documents
- ☐ Hotel booking confirmation
- ☐ Return ticket proof
- ☐ Invitation letter (if applicable)
💰 Money
- ☐ Euros cash (€200-500)
- ☐ Travel card (Wise/Chipper)
- ☐ Debit/credit card
- ☐ Informed bank of travel
📱 Electronics
- ☐ Phone fully charged
- ☐ Phone charger in hand luggage
- ☐ Power bank (under 100Wh)
- ☐ EU power adapter
🧳 Luggage
- ☐ Checked bag under 23kg
- ☐ Carry-on under 8kg
- ☐ Liquids in clear bag (100ml max)
- ☐ No prohibited items
⚠️ NEVER Put These in Checked Luggage!
- Passport and travel documents
- Money and valuables
- Phone, laptop, electronics
- Medications you need
If your checked bag gets lost (it happens!), you'll still have the essentials.
Planning Your Trip?
Check your visa readiness before booking flights
Take the Readiness Quiz →