Are you searching for the best airlines from Lagos to Abuja? Travel between Lagos and Abuja is one of the busiest domestic air routes in Nigeria. The trip by road can take around 8–10 hours. But by air, most flights take just about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja.
A range of local carriers serve this route with frequent departures every day. In this article, we’ll explore the airlines from Lagos to Abuja that offer direct flights, how they compare, and what makes them noteworthy for travellers.
Why Flying Between Lagos and Abuja Is Popular
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get between Nigeria’s largest city (by population) and its capital. The overland journey is long and can be tiring. In contrast, most flights from Lagos to Abuja last around 1 hour 15 minutes, covering about 511 km in the air.
Also read: Top 10 Airlines with Free Stopover Programs | Best Guide
Because of this, multiple airlines operate on this busy route. Many flights take off from Lagos early in the morning and continue into the evening. This gives travellers options to fit flights around business meetings, government duties, or personal plans.
1. Air Peace
When talking about airlines from Lagos to Abuja, Air Peace is often described as one of the most popular carriers on the Lagos–Abuja route. It has one of the highest weekly frequencies on this domestic path, with dozens of flights each week.
Air Peace operates direct flights from Lagos to Abuja daily. Its schedule makes it ideal for people who want consistent timing and flexibility.
One reason people choose Air Peace for flights from Lagos to Abuja is that it often offers competitive pricing compared to some other carriers. Though, recent trends show Air Peace sometimes prices above other carriers due to industry conditions.
2. ValueJet
ValueJet is another major airline from Lagos to Abuja. It has one of the busiest weekly schedules on this route, surpassing many of its competitors in the number of weekly services offered.
ValueJet is a Lagos-based airline with a growing network within Nigeria. It has expanded quickly since its launch and now stands out for its frequency and direct flights.
Because of its high flight volumes, ValueJet remains a firm choice for business and leisure travellers looking to move between Lagos and Abuja without long wait times.
Also read: Best Airlines in the UK: A Clear Guide for 2026
3. United Nigeria Airlines
United Nigeria Airlines is another airline with consistent service on this route. It operates direct flights from Lagos to Abuja throughout the week.
Flights like UN520 or UN504 are scheduled almost daily, with arrivals at Abuja typically about 1 hour 15 minutes after departure.
United Nigeria Airlines makes the list of airlines from Lagos to Abuja for its reliable scheduling and daily operations. It is a practical option for those who want dependable service with fewer stopovers.
4. Ibom Air
Ibom Air also flies directly between Lagos and Abuja. This airline has established itself as a key player in Nigeria’s domestic aviation scene. It operates several weekly flights on this route.
Ibom Air’s schedules provide options for travellers who prefer to fly with an airline known for its attention to customer comfort and service standards throughout the flight.
Also read: Top 7 First Class Airlines in the World
5. Aero Nigeria and Aero Contractors
Aero Contractors operates direct flights on the Lagos–Abuja route and remains one of the established carriers serving this busy domestic corridor.
The airline provides non-stop services between the two cities on multiple days of the week, catering to regular business and leisure travellers.
Aero Contractors appears consistently on lists of airlines serving the Lagos–Abuja route due to its ongoing scheduled operations, even though its overall frequency is lower than that of some higher-capacity competitors.
Its flights typically operate on selected days rather than with a dense daily timetable, giving passengers additional options for travel timing alongside other domestic airlines.
Aero Nigeria is often a label for Aero Contractors flights in booking platforms, not a separate airline brand.
6. Arik Air
Arik Air is a well‑established Nigerian airline that operates direct flights between Lagos and Abuja.
It continues to serve this busy domestic link with multiple daily departures, typically offering nonstop service that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air.
Arik Air’s schedule includes flights on most days of the week, making it a reliable option for travellers on this route and one of the longstanding carriers in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.
Also read: 10 Best Business Class Airlines in the World
7. Green Africa Airways
Green Africa Airways is a budget-friendly airline that also serves the Lagos–Abuja corridor. Its services appeal to travellers on a lower budget, without sacrificing essential air travel needs.
Because multiple carriers compete on this popular route, Green Africa’s presence gives passengers an option focused on affordability.
Other Carriers
A few other airlines also operate direct flights or have schedules that include Lagos to Abuja, though they may not have as many weekly departures as the ones above.
Some of these include:
- Rano Air – Has been listed among carriers flying this direct route.
- Umza Aviation Services Ltd – Appears on flight schedules as another option.
- Aero Nigeria
These carriers may have fewer flights per week. Nevertheless, they add useful choice, especially for travellers with specific timing needs.
Choosing Among the Airlines from Lagos to Abuja
When deciding which airline to fly from Lagos to Abuja, here are some factors to consider:
Frequency of Flight Schedules
Air Peace, ValueJet, and United Nigeria typically offer the most frequent flights. Their schedules make same-day travel more flexible for business or urgent trips.
Also read: Best Airlines in Africa 2026
Service Experience
Some travellers prefer airlines with a reputation for comfort and consistency. Ibom Air and Arik Air are often mentioned in passenger feedback for their service quality.
Price Sensitivity
Prices can vary by airline, time of booking, and travel date. Budget-focused carriers like Green Africa Airways may sometimes offer lower fares.
On-Time Performance
Flight reliability is an important consideration when flying between Lagos and Abuja. On‑time performance can vary by carrier and by specific flight.
For example, some flight tracking sources show that United Nigeria Airlines’ UN504 has had periods of strong punctuality, while broader historical data also reflects typical delays seen across domestic flights in Nigeria.
Overall, recent trends indicate that many Nigerian carriers, including United Nigeria, are working toward more dependable schedules, but travellers should expect some variability in departure and arrival times.
What to Expect When Flying Between Lagos and Abuja
Flight Duration
Most direct flights from Lagos to Abuja take around 1 hour 15 minutes in the air. This makes air travel far quicker compared to road journeys, which often take 8–10 hours or more.
Frequency of Flights
There are multiple flights daily. Some airlines operate every day of the week, while others schedule flights on most days.
Because Lagos and Abuja are major cities with strong business links, flights on this route are scheduled from early morning until late evening.
Booking Tips
When searching for the best price on airlines from Lagos to Abuja:
- Book in advance to avoid last-minute price increases.
- Compare flight options from different carriers.
- Choose flights mid-week rather than weekends for cheaper fares.
These practices can help travellers get more affordable fares on this busy domestic route.
Comparing These Airlines
| Airline | Daily Service | Typical Flight Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Peace | Yes | ~1 hr 15 min | Most popular carrier |
| ValueJet | Yes | ~1 hr 15 min | High weekly frequency |
| United Nigeria Airlines | Yes | ~1 hr 15 min | Reliable scheduling |
| Ibom Air | Yes | ~1 hr 15 min | Comfortable service |
| Arik Air | Yes | ~1 hr 15 min | Long-standing Nigerian airline |
| Aero Contractors | Some days | ~1 hr 15 min | Select scheduled flights |
| Green Africa Airways | Varies | ~1 hr 15 min | Budget choice |
These airlines cover a range of travel needs, from high-frequency departures to low-cost options.
Conclusion on Airlines from Lagos to Abuja
The airline market between Lagos and Abuja continues to expand. Multiple carriers offer frequent, reliable flights connecting the two cities.
Whether you choose a popular airline like Air Peace or ValueJet for frequent departures, or Ibom Air for its service focus, there’s an airline to match different preferences and budgets.
Ultimately, flying remains the best way to move quickly and comfortably between Lagos and Abuja. The depth of choice on airlines from Lagos to Abuja means travellers can plan around their schedules without compromising time, safety, or cost.
Stay connected to this blog for more useful day-to-day updates. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Logic_sss for more.
