In 2021, a new travel policy by France and Netherlands demanded that travellers from Nigeria or other countries that want to travel to the United Kingdom through Europe would have to obtain transit visas. Generally, airlines that travel straight from Nigeria to the UK or those without any stop-over in Europe will not require a transit visa.
Here is a list of airlines that fly from Nigeria to the UK without requiring a transit visa:
1. British Airways
British Airways is the national carrier of the United Kingdom. Because British Airways almost always travel straight to London from Nigeria, a transit visa is not required. In fact, in November 2022, after the United Kingdom and the United States embassies issued a security alert about a possible terror attack in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), British Airways continued to operate its Abuja flights to London. Also, if you prefer overnight flights to get to your destination quicker, British Airways is the airline to use.
2. Virgin Atlantic Airways
Virgin Atlantic Airways is a British airline with its head office in Crawley, England. Virgin Atlantic is one of the airlines that operate direct flights from Nigeria to the UK without the need for a transit visa. Apart from running direct flights from Nigeria to London, Virgin Atlantic Airways also offers an excellent choice of food, drinks, entertainment and WiFi to its customers onboard.
3. Emirates
Emirates is one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates and is ranked among the world’s safest airlines. Emirates is also one of the airlines that run direct flights from Nigeria to the United Kingdom without the need for a transit visa.
4. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is a legacy carrier and one of the major airlines in the United States of America. In 2021, Delta Air Lines was ranked the best airline in North America. Other than offering straight flights from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Delta Air Lines is also known for its stellar service, cheap tickets, comfortable seats and in-flight entertainment.
5. Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, the other being Emirates. Like Emirates, Etihad Airways offers direct flights from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. Etihad Airways also offers flexible fares.
6. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier airline of Turkey (officially known as the Republic of Türkiye) and the largest mainline carrier in the world by the number of passenger destinations. Turkish Airlines is among the airlines that offer direct flights from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. Apart from that, Turkish Airlines also offer free meals and a great travel experience, according to customer testimonies. Passengers from Nigeria may stop over in Istanbul, the capital city of Türkiye. A transit visa is not required to stop over in Istanbul.
8. Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc (also known as RAM) is the national flag carrier airline of Morocco. This airline also offers direct and non-direct flights from Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
10. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the flag carrier airline of Qatar. In 2022, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year by Skytrax. Qatar Airways does not run direct flights from Lagos to the United Kingdom. The airline stops over at Doha, the capital city of Qatar but a transit visa is not required for the trip.
