Nigeria’s aviation and travel industry is facing increased tension as the United States implements new visa restrictions on Nigerian nationals beginning January 1, 2026.
Experts in the sector believe that these restrictions will likely lead to a significant decrease in passenger traffic on flights between Nigeria and the U. S.
The new visa measures affect both immigrant and non-immigrant categories, causing uncertainty among travelers and warning from airlines and travel operators that there may be reduced approvals and longer processing times which could impact flight demand.
Currently, there are two United States carriers, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, that offer direct flight services to Nigeria. Together, they operate 17 weekly flights between the two countries and carried a total of 207,340 passengers in 2024, according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Delta Air Lines offers 14 weekly flights, split between Lagos-Atlanta and Lagos-New York routes, carrying approximately 160,399 passengers in 2024. United Airlines operates three weekly flights from Washington-Dulles to Lagos, carrying 47,340 passengers in 2024.
According to Gbenga Onitilo, Managing Director of Travelden, a subsidiary of Finchglow Holdings Ltd, the new visa restrictions will have a ripple effect on airlines operating direct flights between Nigeria and the U. S. He predicts that the visa uncertainty, decreased demand, and longer processing times will impact passenger load factors and weaken the route economics for airline operators.
Olumide Ohunayo, Director of Research at Zenith Travels, also believes that the Nigerian carriers will be the biggest losers of the visa ban, as other established foreign carriers with extensive networks and higher status may face less pressure. However, he notes that there are currently no Nigerian carriers on the U. S. route.
The visa ban is expected to result in a decrease in the number of passengers flying to the U. S. from Nigeria, which will also have a negative impact on the sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).