Dubai is the most popular long-haul destination for Nigerian travellers. The UAE's business hub draws visitors for trade, tourism, and transit, and the Lagos to Dubai corridor is one of the best-served routes out of West Africa. Emirates operates a direct service and several connecting options compete hard on price, giving travellers genuine choice.

Flight Prices: Lagos to Dubai by Season

SeasonMonthsEconomy (USD)Economy (NGN approx.)
Off-peakJanuary, February, September$330 – $520NGN 510k – 800k
ShoulderMarch, October, November$450 – $680NGN 695k – 1.05M
PeakJune, July, August$650 – $950NGN 1.0M – 1.47M
HolidayDecember, Easter$700 – $1,050NGN 1.08M – 1.63M

Airlines Flying Lagos to Dubai

  • Emirates — Direct, LOS to DXB. Flight time approximately 6h 30m. Daily service. Premium cabin product is exceptional; economy is competitive on price when booked ahead.
  • Qatar Airways — Via Doha (DOH). Total journey 8–10 hours. Often cheaper than Emirates direct and includes a Hamad International layover.
  • Turkish Airlines — Via Istanbul (IST). Total journey around 11–13 hours. Competitive on price for budget-focused travellers.
  • Ethiopian Airlines — Via Addis Ababa (ADD). Total journey 10–12 hours. Good for Star Alliance miles and often well-priced.
  • flydubai — Connects via Dubai from various West African points, occasionally including Nigerian routes via codeshare.

Cheapest Months to Fly Lagos to Dubai

January, February, and September are the cheapest months on this route. Dubai's summer (June to August) is extremely hot, which dampens tourism demand slightly — but Nigerian traveller demand for trade and family visits keeps fares elevated during school holidays regardless. Ramadan period often sees a spike in Muslim pilgrimage-adjacent travel; book early if travelling in this window.

How to Book the Cheapest Lagos to Dubai Fare

Compare Emirates direct fares against Qatar Airways via Doha and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul on Farefinda. The Emirates direct flight commands a small premium but saves 3 to 6 hours of journey time — worth weighing against the fare difference. Book at least 5 to 8 weeks ahead for the best prices. Saturday departures from Lagos tend to be cheaper than Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Lagos to Dubai?

Emirates direct from LOS to DXB takes approximately 6 hours 30 minutes. Via Doha with Qatar Airways adds about 2 to 3 hours. Via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines adds 4 to 5 hours depending on layover time.

Do Nigerians need a visa to visit Dubai?

Yes. Nigerian passport holders require a UAE tourist visa. Emirates can facilitate a visa on arrival or pre-arranged e-visa for passengers booked on Emirates flights. Apply well in advance through the official UAE visa portal or via your airline.

Is Emirates the cheapest option from Lagos to Dubai?

Not always. Emirates direct fares are often priced at a premium over connecting options. Qatar Airways via Doha and Turkish via Istanbul are frequently cheaper. Use Farefinda to compare all current fares before assuming Emirates is the best deal.