United Airlines has announced a significant increase in its Lagos to Washington D.C. service, expanding from three times weekly to daily flights between December 4, 2024, and February 14, 2025. This adjustment will boost seat capacity by 133%, marking the first time daily flights will be available on this route. After the winter season, United plans to return to its previous three-times-weekly schedule, although further expansion may be considered as market conditions evolve.
The Lagos-Washington D.C. flight remains the only nighttime departure from Lagos to the United States, providing passengers with flexible travel options. Nigerian customers will also benefit from convenient daytime connections to over 70 destinations across the Americas, including major cities like Houston, Chicago, and New York/Newark.
Since the route’s launch in 2021, United has operated it using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The Dreamliner is equipped with 28 United PolarisSM business class lie-flat seats, 21 United Premium PlusSM premium economy seats, 36 Economy PlusSM seats, and 158 standard economy seats, offering a variety of seating options for enhanced comfort. The aircraft features large windows, spacious overhead storage, and modern LED lighting designed to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clocks during the transatlantic journey.
Thorsten Lettnin, United’s Director of Sales for Continental Europe, India, Israel, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in the African market. “To succeed in Africa, you must offer your best product and remain consistent,” Lettnin said, highlighting United’s ongoing commitment to the continent.
Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe, United’s Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, expressed excitement about the expanded service. “Africa continues to be an integral part of United’s global network, and we are delighted to announce an increase in flights from Lagos to Washington D.C. during the winter season with our state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner aircraft,” he said. Bola-Sadipe also noted that the expanded service will provide Nigerian customers with greater travel choice when planning their next U.S. getaway and offer convenient one-stop connections to numerous destinations across the Americas.
Currently, United operates three weekly flights on the Lagos-Washington D.C. route, with departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight UA613 departs Lagos at 23:50 and arrives in Washington D.C. at 5:55 the following morning. From December 4, 2024, to February 14, 2025, this service will increase to daily flights. The return flight, UA612, operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Washington D.C. at 18:30 and arriving in Lagos at 10:40 the next day. This schedule will also shift to daily service during the peak winter period.
In addition to the Lagos-Washington D.C. expansion, United will become the only airline offering nonstop flights from Marrakesh, Morocco, to the U.S. starting October 25, 2024. United already operates several key African routes, including flights from Cape Town to New York/Newark and Washington D.C., Johannesburg to New York/Newark, and Accra to Washington D.C. This expansion underscores United’s dedication to enhancing connectivity across Africa and providing more travel options for passengers.
All flight times are local and subject to change.
