New data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled the top 10 international destinations Nigerians are flying to, highlighting the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and United States as leading choices.
The report underscores Nigeria’s growing outbound travel demand for business, education, and leisure despite economic pressures.
According to nairametrics.com, the country is served by five major international airports: Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Lagos handles the bulk of outbound traffic, followed by Abuja and Port Harcourt.
This ranking is based on IATA’s 2023 origin-destination data, published in The Value of Air Transport to Nigeria, released a few weeks ago. In 2023, international flights accounted for 23% of Nigeria’s total departures, equal to 2.1 million passengers, led by Europe with 780,700 passengers or 38%, Africa with 485,400 passengers or 23%, and North America with 373,000 passengers or 18%.
Nigerian outbound flights represented 0.1% of global international traffic and 2.9% of regional traffic, with cumulative growth over the last decade at -7.2%.
Providing more context, data from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, obtained by Nairametrics, show that in 2024, MMIA in Lagos handled 4.3 million international passengers, 150 million kilograms of cargo, and 40,250 aircraft movements, while Abuja averaged 2,871 international passengers daily with 19 international flights per day. Port Harcourt recorded 111,846 international passengers and 1,638 aircraft movements.
10. Cairo
Cairo ranked tenth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, welcoming about 37,400 passengers, representing 1.8% of outbound traffic. EgyptAir operates regular flights to Cairo International Airport (CAI).
The city, located in Egypt, serves as a transit hub, linking Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Many Nigerian travellers visit Cairo for education, tourism, and trade, taking advantage of its connectivity.
Cairo’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and historic districts like Islamic Cairo. The city offers a blend of ancient history and modern urban life, where busy streets, markets, and contemporary facilities sit alongside historic sites.
9. Washington
Washington, D.C., ranked ninth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 43,000 passengers, representing 2.1% of outbound traffic. Airlines such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate regular flights to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Located in the United States, the city is a key destination for Nigerians travelling for business, education, tourism, and family visits, offering a mix of professional, academic, and cultural opportunities.
Washington’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes landmarks like the White House, Smithsonian museums, and national monuments, alongside vibrant neighborhoods and public spaces. The city stands out for its concentration of historical and civic sites, providing visitors with both learning and leisure experiences.
8. Johannesburg
Johannesburg ranked eighth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with about 45,200 passengers, representing 2.2% of outbound traffic. South African Airways operates direct flights to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), with connecting options via other carriers.
Situated in South Africa, Johannesburg is a major economic and business hub, attracting Nigerians for commerce, education, and tourism. Its role as a gateway to the region makes it an important destination for professional and leisure travellers.
Johannesburg’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes the Apartheid Museum, Soweto township tours, and a dynamic urban environment. The city is known for its mix of modern urban life and historical significance, giving visitors a chance to explore South Africa’s recent history while experiencing a bustling metropolis.
7. Madinah
Madinah ranked seventh among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 45,500 passengers, representing 2.2% of outbound traffic. Saudia operates direct flights to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), with other airlines providing connecting services.
Located in Saudi Arabia, the city is a primary destination for religious travel, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, attracting Nigerian visitors seeking spiritual experiences and Islamic education.
Madinah’s cultural and lifestyle appeal centers on the Prophet’s Mosque and other historic Islamic sites. The city is unique for its religious and historical focus, providing a calm environment for worship, reflection, and learning.
6. New York
New York in the United States ranked sixth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 47,200 passengers, representing 2.3% of outbound traffic.
The city is served by three major airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA)—with JFK a notable mention. Flights on this route are operated by verified carriers such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, providing direct and connecting options.
Nigerians travel to New York for business, education, tourism, family visits, and emigration, attracted by the city’s economic opportunities, world-renowned universities, and prospects for a better quality of life.
New York’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway theatres, and Central Park, alongside vibrant neighborhoods and diverse culinary experiences. The city is known for its global influence in finance, culture, and education, offering visitors a mix of professional, leisure, educational, and long-term settlement opportunities.
5. Manchester
Manchester in the United Kingdom ranked fifth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 59,800 passengers, representing 2.9% of outbound traffic.
The city is served by Manchester Airport (MAN), the primary international airport in the region. Flights are operated by British Airways and other verified carriers, providing direct and connecting services.
Nigerians travel to Manchester for education, business, tourism, and family visits, attracted by the city’s universities, cultural events, and economic opportunities.
Manchester’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes Old Trafford stadium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and vibrant arts and music scenes. The city is known for its sporting heritage, industrial history, and dynamic cultural life, offering visitors both leisure and professional experiences.
4. Toronto
Toronto in Canada ranked fourth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 60,300 passengers, representing 2.9% of outbound traffic. Flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) are operated by Air Canada, providing direct services, along with other verified carriers offering connecting options.
Nigerians travel to Toronto for education at world-renowned universities and colleges, business opportunities, seeking a better quality of life, tourism, and family visits. The city’s strong economy, safe environment, and multicultural society make it a popular destination for both short- and long-term travel.
Toronto’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, multicultural neighborhoods, and entertainment districts. The city is known for its diverse urban environment, educational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene, providing visitors with a mix of leisure, learning, and professional experiences.
3. Jeddah
Jeddah ranked third among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 92,100 passengers, representing 4.4% of outbound traffic.
Flights to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) are operated by several airlines, including Saudi Airlines and other verified carriers, providing direct and connecting options.
Located in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is a major gateway for religious travel, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and also attracts Nigerians for business, tourism, and trade.
Jeddah’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes the historic Al-Balad district, the Red Sea Corniche, and modern shopping and entertainment centers. The city combines religious significance with vibrant urban life, serving both pilgrims and leisure visitors.
2. Accra
Accra ranked second among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 122,300 passengers, representing 5.9% of outbound traffic. Flights to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) are operated by several airlines, such as Air Peace and other verified carriers, providing direct and connecting options.
Located in Ghana, Accra attracts Nigerians for business, education, tourism, and family visits, reflecting strong economic and cultural links between the two countries.
Accra’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Jamestown historic district, Makola Market, and Osu nightlife, offering visitors a mix of history, commerce, and vibrant city life. The city is known for its friendly, cosmopolitan environment and rich West African cultural experiences.
1. London
London ranked first among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 421,300 passengers, representing 20.3% of outbound traffic. Airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Air Peace operate flights to London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) airports.
Located in the United Kingdom, London attracts Nigerians for business, education, tourism, sports, and family visits, serving as a global hub for finance, culture, and international connections.
London’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes the British Museum, Tower of London, West End theatres, Premier League football clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea, and vibrant neighborhoods. The city is known for its blend of history, modernity, sports culture, and international diversity, offering a wide range of opportunities and experiences for visitors.
