United Airlines has announced a major expansion of its service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. Starting December 4th, 2024, the airline will increase its flights from three times a week to daily service, running through February 14th, 2025. This significant boost in connectivity highlights United’s commitment to expanding its presence in the African market. With this expansion, United Airlines will now operate six routes to four African countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco. This development establishes a new record for the airline’s operations on the continent.
The daily flights between Washington Dulles and Lagos represent a 133% year-over-year increase in available seats on this route. This move also positions United as a strong competitor to Delta Air Lines, which also offers nonstop flights from the United States to Lagos. United Airlines initially launched its Washington-Lagos route in 2021, having previously suspended it from 2010 to 2016. The service utilizes the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which features 28 United Polaris business class seats, 21 United Premium Plus premium economy seats, 36 Economy Plus seats, and 158 standard economy seats. The flight, covering a distance of 5,442 miles, takes approximately 10 hours and 40 minutes.
In January 2025, the number of weekly flights will increase to seven, offering a total of 1,701 seats in each direction. This upgrade will provide more flexibility and convenience for passengers traveling between these two major cities. Despite Africa being home to 56 countries, U.S. airlines currently serve only a handful, with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines leading the way. Apart from Nigeria, United operates flights to Accra, Ghana, and Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. In North Africa, United plans to launch flights to Marrakesh, Morocco, in October.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines continues to explore opportunities to expand its footprint on the African continent, recognizing the untapped potential in these markets. The increased connectivity by United Airlines highlights the growing demand for travel between the United States and Africa, offering travelers more options and bridging the gap between these two regions.
