With two major airlines offering direct flights between Nigeria and Dubai, the trip between these major business and leisure destinations in Africa and the Middle East is easier than ever. The flight time from Nigeria to Dubai is roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on your departure city, airline, and aircraft.
Knowing how long the journey takes door-to-door is key to planning a smooth trip. This guide will cover flight times from Nigeria’s major airports to Dubai, Dubai flight duration, travel options, and tips for booking and preparing for your trip.
Flight Time from Nigeria to Dubai
The flight time from Nigeria to Dubai ranges from 5 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours depending on these factors:
- Departure city – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano
- Airline – Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines
- Aircraft – Boeing 777, Boeing 787, Airbus A350
Here are the approximate Nigeria to Dubai flight times for direct, nonstop flights on major carriers:
- Lagos to Dubai: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Abuja to Dubai: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Port Harcourt to Dubai: 7 hours
- Kano to Dubai: 5 hours 40 minutes
Emirates offers daily nonstop flights from Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Lagos and Kano. Older aircraft like the Boeing 777 take slightly longer while the newer Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 make the trip in under 7 hours.
Flight Duration from Nigeria to Dubai
While the time in the air is 6 to 8 hours for a direct flight, the total travel duration is longer when accounting for the time spent at the airport. This includes check-in, security, boarding, disembarking, and immigration clearance.
For flights departing from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, plan for a total travel duration of 9 to 11 hours from the time you arrive at the origin airport to landing in Dubai.
Here is an estimate of the total Nigeria to Dubai flight duration based on airport arrival times:
- Lagos to Dubai: 9 hours
- Abuja to Dubai: 10 hours
- Port Harcourt to Dubai: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Kano to Dubai: 9 hours 30 minutes
This allows adequate time for an international check-in and connections at sprawling airports like Lagos MMA. Dubai is extremely efficient so you can usually clear immigration and customs within 30 to 45 minutes of landing.
Travel Options from Nigeria to Dubai
There are a few options for getting from Nigeria to Dubai by air:
- Direct flights – Fly nonstop from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt or Kano on Emirates or Ethiopian Airlines. Direct flights take 6 to 8 hours.
- Connecting in Addis Ababa – Ethiopian Airlines offers connections through Addis Ababa. Total travel time is about 11 hours with the ADD layover.
- Connecting in Europe – Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France and others connect via a European hub. Total travel time can be 12+ hours.
For the shortest overall travel time, book a direct nonstop flight from Nigeria to Dubai on Emirates or Ethiopian Airlines. For the best fare deals, consider options with a connection in Europe.
Tips for Flying from Nigeria to Dubai
Here are some tips for booking and preparing for your flight from Nigeria to Dubai:
- Book early – Airlines like Emirates and Ethiopian release cheap fares early. Booking 180+ days out can save 30% or more.
- Fly midweek – Flights departing Tue – Thurs are generally cheaper than weekends.
- Pack light – Carry-on only if possible since checked bags slow you down.
- Get to the airport early – Arrive 3+ hours pre-departure for international flights.
- Confirm visa requirements – UAE visas are available on arrival for Nigerian passport holders.
- Rest on the flight – Sleep if you can since it’s a long haul. Avoid heavy meals.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water on the flight to avoid dehydration.
Nigeria to Dubai Flight Time: Sample Flight Itineraries
To give you a better idea of flight times and duration, here are two sample flight itineraries from Nigeria to Dubai on Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines:
Sample 1: Lagos to Dubai on Emirates
7:55am – Depart Lagos MMA
2:15pm – Arrive Dubai DXB (Flight time 6hr 20min)
Sample 2: Abuja to Dubai on Ethiopian Airlines
8:20am – Depart Abuja
2:55pm – Arrive Dubai DXB (Flight time 6hr 35min)
As you can see, flying directly from Lagos or Abuja to Dubai takes around 6.5 hours in the air. With airport time, the total travel duration is around 9 or 10 hours. This allows you to leave Nigeria in the morning and arrive in Dubai in the afternoon with minimum layover time.
Check airline schedules to find the best direct flight options from your preferred departure city in Nigeria. Advance planning ensures you block the right amount of time for a smooth, stress-free trip to explore Dubai and beyond.