How to Get Cheap Flights in Nigeria for December Trips (2025 Guide)

Confidence NwaobiNovember 9, 20250624 views

December in Nigeria feels like an exciting movie experience. From “Detty December” concerts to family reunions and end-of-year weddings, the airports are always packed with excited faces, big boxes, and last-minute travellers.

However, the escalating cost of flights in December can cause stress, even for the most optimistic travellers. Prices shoot up faster than Lagos traffic on a Monday morning.

So, how do you navigate the system to secure affordable flights to Nigeria for your December travels, whether you’re returning from overseas or travelling domestically?

Let’s dive into this ultimate guide, packed with insider tips, facts, and travel hacks to help you save big this festive season.

How to Get Cheap Flights in Nigeria for December Trips

1. Book Early—Like, Really Early

This one can’t be overemphasised. Flight prices in Nigeria climb the closer you get to Christmas. If you start checking in October or early November, you will already be late.

Airlines like Air Peace, Arik Air, and Ibom Air typically release their December flight schedules around September, and that’s your golden window.

Booking 8–10 weeks in advance can save you up to 40% compared to last-minute fares.

Pro tip:
If you’re coming from abroad (such as London, Toronto, or Houston), consider booking round-trip flights with flexible dates. Many international airlines, like Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, offer better rates for midweek departures.

2. Fly on “Unpopular” Days

Everybody wants to fly on Fridays, Saturdays, and right before Christmas Eve. That’s why those days are premium-priced.

To save money, consider travelling on less popular days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays. These midweek flights are often cheaper because demand is lower.

Furthermore, avoid December 20–24 if you can. Those dates are peak madness, with full flights and no mercy for your wallet. Instead, fly out by December 16 or 17; you’ll get cheaper fares and less airport chaos.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Don’t just book on the first airline site you see. Compare!

Websites and apps like:

Wakanow
Travelstart Nigeria
Flightscanner
Google Flights
Skyscanner

They all show you a list of available flights with price comparisons. This helps you spot cheaper deals or even “hidden city” routes that cost less.

Example: A Lagos–Abuja ticket on one airline might be ₦90,000, but another might offer ₦65,000 for the same day and time.

You’ll never know if you don’t check.

4. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters

This might sound boring, but it’s pure gold. Many Nigerian airlines drop flash sales and discount codes exclusively through email.

For instance:

Ibom Air often does early-bird promo fares for holiday routes.
Air Peace and Green Africa Airways announce limited-time offers for subscribers.

Sign up in September or October, and you’ll be among the first to grab those discounted seats before everyone on Twitter finds out.

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5. Choose Morning Flights

You might not be a morning person, but your bank account will thank you.

Flights departing between 5 AM and 9 AM are often cheaper than those departing in the afternoon or evening. That’s because most travellers prefer to sleep in or travel after work.

Plus, morning flights are less likely to be delayed, so it’s a win-win.

6. Be Flexible With Your Airports

If you’re flying internationally into Nigeria, don’t just search for Lagos (LOS). Try Abuja (ABV), Port Harcourt (PHC), or even Kano (KAN), depending on your final destination.

Sometimes, flying into a less busy airport and taking a short domestic flight or bus to your final city saves you thousands.

Example:
A London–Lagos ticket might cost ₦1.3 million, but a London–Abuja ticket could be ₦1 million. Add a ₦70,000 Abuja–Lagos local flight and you’re still ahead!

7. Avoid Excess Luggage Fees

Nigerian travellers are famous for “travelling with the entire household.” However, here’s the thing: excess luggage can significantly impact your budget.

Tip:

Use airlines with generous baggage allowances (like Ethiopian Airlines or Qatar Airways).
Weigh your bags before leaving home.
For domestic flights, adhere to the standard limit, typically 20 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of hand luggage.

That “little extra” can add up to ₦20,000–₦40,000 per bag.

8. Join Frequent Flyer Programmes

Even if you don’t fly often, signing up for a loyalty program costs nothing and can earn you real discounts over time.

Popular options:

Air Peace Loyalty Program (Peace Advantage)
British Airways Executive Club
Ethiopian ShebaMiles
Qatar Airways Privilege Club

Every flight earns you miles or points that you can redeem for future tickets or upgrades.

Pro tip: Combine these with travel credit cards that earn extra miles when you pay for flights.

9. Use Incognito Mode When Searching

Believe it or not, some websites track your searches and increase prices when they notice repeated searches for the same route.

To avoid this:

Always search in incognito/private mode.
Or clear your cookies before checking flight prices.

That way, you’ll see the real lowest prices, not inflated ones.

10. Consider Budget Airlines for Local Trips

Nigeria now has a growing list of reliable, budget-friendly airlines that are perfect for domestic trips in December.

Top Picks for 2025:

Green Africa Airways—affordable, safe, and modern fleet.
Ibom Air—slightly pricier but top service and punctuality.
Dana Air—great for short routes like Lagos–Abuja and Lagos–Owerri.
United Nigeria Airlines—a new airline expanding rapidly with positive feedback.

Book early, stick to carry-on luggage, and avoid add-ons; that’s how you keep it cheap.

11. Follow Airlines on Social Media

This might sound funny, but airlines sometimes announce flash deals on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook before updating their websites.

Turn on post notifications for your favourite airlines, especially between September and November when they launch festive promos.

You could snag a ₦60,000 ticket while others are still refreshing travel websites.

12. Travel Light, Travel Smart

In December, airports are full, and planes are packed. Light travellers board faster, save on baggage fees, and avoid the chaos at baggage claim.

If you’re only travelling within Nigeria, one cabin bag and a small backpack are enough. You’ll thank yourself when you stroll out of the airport while others are still waiting for their boxes.

Bonus Hack: Split Payments

Platforms like Wakanow and Travelstart now allow flight instalment payments. You can lock in your ticket price early and pay gradually before December.

It’s perfect for those who want to avoid significant one-time expenses and still take advantage of early-bird rates.

FAQs About How to Get Cheap Flights in Nigeria

Q1: When is the best time to buy December flight tickets in Nigeria?

Start checking from September to early October. Prices rise significantly after mid-November.

Q2: Are there really cheap flights during Christmas in Nigeria?

Yes, but only if you plan early, travel midweek, or take early morning flights.

Q3: What domestic airline is the cheapest for December travel?

Green Africa Airways and Dana Air often offer the lowest fares, but Air Peace provides the broadest range of routes.

Q4: How can I get discount codes for flights in Nigeria?

Subscribe to airline newsletters, follow them on social media, and join travel deal pages on Instagram or Telegram.

Q5: Can I get cheap international flights to Nigeria in December?

It’s tougher, but yes, book early, choose flexible dates, and fly into less busy airports like Abuja instead of Lagos.