New data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows where Nigerians are most likely to book international flights, and the list says a lot about how the country moves for work, worship and opportunity. 

Here are the Top 7 Routes Nigerians Flew in 2025:

United Kingdom

The UK remains the top draw because of education, jobs, and a large Nigerian community. London and Manchester are the main gateways, with frequent flights from Lagos and Abuja. Students head in for September and January intakes, while families visit during summer and Christmas. 

Business links in finance, tech, and professional services keep traffic steady all year. Fares rise around school calendars and holidays, so early booking helps. Many travellers combine university visits, short courses, and professional exams with family time, making the UK both a practical and emotional destination.

Ghana

Ghana is the quick, close, and friendly option for business and short breaks. Accra’s growing startup and creative scenes make it a hub for regional trade, conferences, and cultural events. The flight is short, schedules are frequent, and prices can be competitive outside big holidays. 

Many travellers choose weekend trips for networking, shopping, or relaxation. With shared cultural ties and ease of movement within West Africa, Accra feels familiar yet fresh, which is why the Nigeria–Ghana corridor keeps getting busier.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia attracts large numbers of Nigerian pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah, making Jeddah and Madinah high-demand routes. Airlines increase capacity in peak months, and group packages are popular because they handle visas, transport, and accommodation. 

Travel is deeply spiritual, but logistics matter: booking early, choosing reliable agents, and understanding airline rules for religious items can reduce stress. Outside the peak seasons, fares are calmer, yet faith travel remains a strong, steady driver of traffic all year.

Canada

Canada’s pull is education and migration pathways, with Toronto as the main entry point. Students, skilled workers, and families travel around academic terms and visa approvals, which pushes prices higher at certain times. 

Canadian cities offer strong Nigerian communities, good schools, and clear routes to permanent residency, so the demand stays high. Travellers often plan long stays, mixing studies or work with family visits. Winter weather can cause delays, so smart timing, flexible tickets, and good travel insurance are useful.

United States

The US remains a key destination for studies, business, healthcare, and reunions with family. New York and Washington, DC, see heavy traffic, supported by one-stop options through Europe and the Middle East. Demand peaks in summer, late November, and December, when fares climb. 

Students target intakes, professionals attend conferences, and families gather for holidays. The widespread presence of Nigerian communities across the US means travellers often fly into a hub and continue domestically, keeping these routes busy year-round.

South Africa

South Africa, led by Johannesburg, serves trade, conferences, and leisure travel from Nigeria. The city’s strong air links and business districts,especially Sandton and Rosebank,make it a reliable base for meetings and exhibitions. 

Medical checkups and tourism also play a role, with travellers combining work and short holidays. Prices are generally reasonable outside peak school breaks and major events. Clear entry requirements and well-planned airport transfers help make trips smoother and faster.

Egypt

Egypt is both a destination and a gateway. Cairo’s major hub status gives Nigerians affordable one-stop connections to Europe and the Middle East, while the country itself draws visitors for business, medical trips, and tourism along the Nile. 

Conference traffic is growing, and competitive fares make Cairo attractive when direct flights elsewhere are costly. Travellers who plan layovers carefully can balance price and comfort, turning Egypt into a smart link between Nigeria and the wider world.

Newyork

New York ranks sixth among the most popular international destinations for Nigerians flying overseas, with about 47,200 passengers,around 2.3% of all outbound air travel. 

The city is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA), with JFK the main long-haul gateway. Verified carriers such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines operate on the route, offering both nonstop and connecting flights.