London and Accra Lead Nigerian Outbound Travel Destinations | By Priscilla Mba | London and Accra have emerged as the two leading city destinations for outbound Nigerian travellers, cementing Ghana’s capital as a key aviation hub in West Africa.
According to new IATA industry data, London is the most popular destination, attracting 20.3% of all outbound passenger traffic from Nigeria.
Accra is the second most-traveled-to city, accounting for 5.9% of outbound trips, outpacing other global destinations such as Jeddah, Toronto, Manchester, New York, Madinah, and Johannesburg.
The findings from the IATA Value of Air Transport to Nigeria report highlight Nigeria’s strong travel ties to Europe and the growing importance of Accra as a gateway for regional and international connectivity. Kotoka International Airport (KIA) is increasingly positioned as a preferred transit and business destination within West Africa.
Europe remains the largest market for Nigerian outbound passengers, with nearly 780,700 travelers (38% of the total) departing for European destinations. Africa follows with 485,400 passengers (23%), while North America accounts for 373,000 travelers (18%).
Commenting on the findings, Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), described aviation as a “powerful engine for economic and social development.”
For Ghana, Accra’s ranking underscores the city’s role as a key travel hub linking Nigeria to the world. The data reinforces KIA’s growing importance as a driver of tourism, business travel, and regional integration, with ripple effects for Ghana’s broader economy.
Currently, only one Ghanaian registered airline, Africa World Airlines (AWA), serves the route, while at least two Nigerian registered airlines, Air Peace and Ibom Air, serve the Lagos-Accra-Lagos route.
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