Cheap Flights Nigeria December Deals: How to Save Big on Holiday Travel

Cheap flights in Nigeria for December deals: Traveling during December in Nigeria is both exciting and challenging. This is the time when families reunite, students return home, and many Nigerians take advantage of the festive season to travel locally and internationally. However, the spike in demand during Christmas and New Year makes airfares skyrocket, leaving many travelers wondering how they can secure cheap flights for their December trips.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore affordable flights in Nigeria in December, insider tips for booking budget-friendly tickets, how to utilize flight search platforms effectively, the best airlines to consider, and strategies Nigerians can adopt to reduce travel costs without compromising comfort.

By the end of this article, you’ll have practical knowledge that will help you save money, book with confidence, and enjoy your holiday travels stress-free.

Why Are December Flights So Expensive in Nigeria?

December is one of the busiest travel seasons in Nigeria, and there are several reasons for this spike in airfare prices:

1. High Demand for Holiday Travel
   Nigerians living abroad often return home in December to spend Christmas and New Year with family. This creates a surge in international flights into Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities. Airlines take advantage of this demand by increasing prices.
2. Limited Flight Availability
   Even though Nigeria has multiple airlines, the number of flights is still limited compared to the massive population that travels. Once affordable seats sell out, only premium-priced tickets remain.
3. Fuel and Operational Costs
   Airlines factor in high operating costs and fuel surcharges, especially during peak periods. These costs are passed directly to passengers.
4. Last-Minute Bookings
   Many Nigerians book flights close to their departure date, especially during December. Unfortunately, last-minute tickets are always the most expensive.
5. Holiday Destination Demand
   Certain destinations such as London, New York, Dubai, Accra, Johannesburg, and domestic cities like Enugu, Owerri, and Asaba experience heavy demand, which drives ticket prices higher.

Best Time to Book Cheap Flights in December

Timing is everything when it comes to cheap flights. Here are key periods to consider:

• Book 6–8 Weeks in Advance
  To get the cheapest rates for December, aim to book your flight in October or early November. This is when airlines release promotional fares before demand peaks.
• Avoid Peak Dates
  The most expensive days to travel are usually December 20–24 and January 2–5. If possible, plan your trip outside these dates. Traveling between December 10–15 or after Christmas can save you money.
• Fly on Weekdays
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally cheaper compared to weekends. Most Nigerians prefer to fly on Friday or Saturday, driving up costs.
• Use Fare Alerts
  Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to set alerts that notify you when prices drop for your chosen route.

Airlines Offering December Deals in Nigeria

When searching for cheap flights in Nigeria during December, knowing which airlines frequently offer deals can make a big difference.

Domestic Airlines

• Air Peace – Known for frequent flights to Eastern cities like Enugu, Asaba, Owerri, and Anambra. Booking early helps secure cheaper fares.
• Ibom Air – Offers reliable service and competitive pricing, especially for Abuja, Lagos, and Uyo routes.
• Arik Air – Covers multiple domestic routes, but prices rise quickly in December.
• Dana Air – Affordable for short routes, but limited flight schedules mean you must book early.
• United Nigeria Airlines – An emerging airline with growing routes across Nigeria.

International Airlines

• Ethiopian Airlines – Popular for connecting flights to the US, UK, and the Middle East with relatively lower fares.
• Qatar Airways – Offers competitive deals from Lagos and Abuja to Europe, Asia, and the US.
• Turkish Airlines – A good option for travelers to Europe and North America.
• British Airways & Virgin Atlantic – Direct flights to London, but often expensive in December. Look for early-booking promos.
• Emirates – Direct flights to Dubai, with deals if booked months ahead.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Nigeria in December Deals

Let’s look at practical steps Nigerians can take to cut costs:

1. Use Flight Comparison Sites
   Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, CheapOair, and Google Flights let you compare prices across multiple airlines instantly. This helps you spot the best deals.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports
   Sometimes flying from Abuja instead of Lagos, or leaving two days earlier, can save you tens of thousands of naira.
3. Book One-Way Flights Separately
   Instead of booking a round trip, try buying one-way tickets from different airlines. For example, fly Ethiopian Airlines to Lagos and return with Qatar Airways.
4. Use Airline Promotions
   Nigerian airlines like Air Peace and Ibom Air sometimes release limited December discount codes or flash sales. Following them on social media keeps you updated.
5. Consider Alternative Routes
   If flights to London are too expensive, you can book Lagos–Amsterdam–London instead, which might be cheaper.
6. Travel Light
   Extra baggage fees can double your cost. Travel with only essentials to save money.
7. Leverage Loyalty Programs
   If you frequently fly, joining airline loyalty programs can help you earn miles that reduce ticket costs during peak periods.

Domestic December Travel: Cheap Flight Options in Nigeria

Many Nigerians travel domestically in December to celebrate with family in their hometowns. Here’s a breakdown of popular routes and strategies for saving:

• Lagos to Enugu/Asaba/Owerri/Anambra
  These Eastern routes are always the most expensive in December. Book at least two months early to avoid fares doubling.
• Abuja to Lagos/Port Harcourt/Uyo
  Business and holiday travelers compete for these seats. Look out for cheaper weekday flights.
• Lagos to Kano/Maiduguri/Jos
  Less competitive but still experience December price increases. Booking early is essential.

International December Travel: Best Deals for Nigerians

International routes see the biggest price hikes. Here are some strategies:

• Lagos/Abuja to London – Direct flights are costly, but flying via Ethiopian Airlines or Turkish Airlines can save you money.
• Lagos to Dubai – Book Emirates early or consider Ethiopian Airlines with a layover in Addis Ababa.
• Nigeria to the US – Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways often offer the cheapest December tickets to New York, Washington, and Houston.
• Nigeria to Canada – Air Canada, Lufthansa, or KLM via Europe can be cheaper if booked before October.

Tips for Nigerians Abroad Returning Home in December

Many Nigerians in the UK, US, Canada, and Europe return home in December. Here’s how they can save:

• Book return tickets by September or October.
• Fly mid-December instead of around Christmas Eve.
• Consider flying into Abuja or Port Harcourt if Lagos tickets are too high.
• Use student discounts if you’re studying abroad. Some airlines like Lufthansa and Qatar offer special fares for students.

Cheap Flights Nigeria December Deals: FAQs

1. When is the best time to buy tickets for December travel in Nigeria?

The best time is October or early November. Prices usually double if you wait until mid-December.

2. Which Nigerian airline is the cheapest in December?

Air Peace often provides competitive rates, but Ibom Air is known for reliability and moderate pricing.

3. Is it cheaper to book domestic flights online or at the airport?

Online booking is almost always cheaper. Airport purchases are subject to last-minute surcharges.

4. Which international airline gives the best deals to Nigeria in December?

Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways frequently offer better December fares than direct flights like British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.

5. Do airlines release last-minute December discounts in Nigeria?

Rarely. Unlike low-demand months, December rarely has last-minute deals because demand is too high.

6. Is it better to book round-trip or one-way flights?

It depends. Sometimes, separate one-way tickets with different airlines are cheaper. Compare before booking.

7. Which Nigerian airports are cheapest to fly into during December?

Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV) usually have the cheapest options because of higher flight volumes.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap flights to Nigeria in December requires planning, flexibility, and smart use of booking tools. Nigerians who wait until the last minute often pay double or even triple the standard fares. By booking in October, traveling mid-week, and comparing different airlines, you can save tens of thousands of naira.

Whether you’re flying home to Jos from Abuja, heading abroad to France, or planning a family trip to the UK, the strategies shared here will help you navigate the December rush without breaking the bank.

The holiday season is about joy, family, and celebration, not about financial stress over expensive tickets. With the right preparation, you can make your December travel smooth, affordable, and memorable. Think travel this December, think Cheap flights Nigeria December deals. Think this

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