Updated: 2 November 2026 · Written for Nigerian travellers by the Lagosmove team
Quick answer: There are no scheduled direct flights from Lagos (LOS) to Lusaka (LUN). You will connect at least once, usually through Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, Johannesburg, Doha or Dubai. Expect a long travel day: some itineraries take roughly 11 hours, while many take 15 to 20 hours or more, depending on layovers. Fares change daily, so the only price to trust is the live one on the airline’s booking page.
This guide covers the airlines, the routes, the visa and health paperwork Nigerians should check, and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
Airlines and routes from Lagos to Lusaka
Fare-comparison sites list these carriers for the route. Schedules and operating days change by season, so always confirm your date directly with the airline.
| Airline | Usual connection point | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa (ADD) | Layover length, Ethiopian transit rules |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi (NBO) | Nairobi transit and entry rules |
| RwandAir | Kigali (KGL) | Day of operation, bag tagging |
| South African Airways | Johannesburg (JNB) | Transit rules, South African entry rules |
| Qatar Airways | Doha (DOH) | Longer total routing |
| Emirates | Dubai (DXB) | Longer total routing |
Some booking sites also show Uganda Airlines options. Treat any such result as something to verify on the airline’s own site, because we could not confirm a regular Lagos–Lusaka routing.
How long does the trip take?
Connecting itineraries vary widely. Some routings via Nairobi are shorter, while Addis Ababa routings average longer once layovers are included. Fare trackers report a median near 19 hours for itineraries with two stops. Compare total elapsed time, not only the flying time.
Remember the time difference. Lusaka is one hour ahead of Lagos, so check that each displayed time is in local time.
How much do flights from Lagos to Lusaka cost?
There is no fixed price. Recent fare-comparison snapshots have ranged from roughly US$500 to about US$1,000 or more, depending on airline, travel date and booking window. Last-minute and December fares tend to sit at the top of that range. Price trackers have shown September and other shoulder months cheaper than the December peak, but that is a pattern, not a promise.
Compare the all-in price, not the headline fare. A ticket that costs more but includes a checked bag and seat selection can be cheaper overall. Include your ride to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in the door-to-door total.
Do Nigerians need a visa for Zambia?
Rules change, and third-party websites contradict each other. Zambia’s official government portal says anyone can apply for an eVisa, and many travel sites list Nigerian passport holders as needing one. Do not rely on a blog or a booking site, including this one.
- Check the requirement for your passport and purpose of travel on the Zambia Department of Immigration site.
- Apply only through the official government service on ZamPortal’s tourist e-services page, which links to the eVisa application.
- Apply before you buy a non-refundable ticket, and allow processing time.
- Check your passport validity and blank pages.
Transit visas and connection rules
Your connecting country may have its own rules, even if you never leave the airport. Check the official government source for every country on your itinerary: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Qatar or the UAE. A cheap fare with a visa problem is not a bargain.
Yellow fever certificate
Zambia asks for a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over one year old who arrive from, or have spent more than 12 hours in transit through, countries with yellow fever transmission risk. Nigeria is on that risk list. Carry your certificate, and confirm current rules with the Zambian authorities and your doctor. Several African transit hubs may also be on the list, so a long layover can matter.
10 smart booking tips
- Search by airport code. Use LOS to LUN so you don’t get results for the wrong airport.
- Compare by hub and total time. A small discount rarely justifies an overnight layover.
- Check baggage per segment. Find out whether your bag is tagged through to Lusaka or must be collected and rechecked.
- Avoid tight connections. Immigration queues and terminal changes can eat up a short layover.
- Use the flexible-date calendar. Midweek departures often cost less than Friday or Sunday.
- Compare one-way and return fares. A one-way ticket can cost more per leg, and immigration may ask for proof of onward travel.
- Book through verified channels. Pay on the airline’s own site, app or official office, never into a personal account. A WhatsApp screenshot is not a ticket.
- Save your booking reference and receipt offline before travel day.
- Check travel insurance exclusions before you fly.
- Plan both airport transfers early. See below.
Departing from Lagos
International flights leave from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja. Confirm your terminal and the airline’s check-in cutoff, and leave a buffer for Ikeja traffic, rain and rush hour. For terminals, transfers and airport hotels, read our Lagos Airport Guide. For getting there, see our Lagos transportation guide. If your flight leaves early, our guide to where to stay in Lagos can help you choose a base near the airport.
Arriving in Lusaka
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) serves Lusaka. Allow time for immigration, and decide your transfer to town before you land. A midnight arrival with two checked bags needs a different plan than a morning landing. Check your arrival time against your accommodation’s check-in hours.
Best time to go
Zambia’s dry season, from roughly May to October, is popular for safari. December demand pushes fares up. Quieter months can cost less, but always check the live price for your exact dates.
Related Lagosmove guides
- Flights from Lagos: domestic and international guide
- Flights from Lagos to South Africa, useful if you connect through Johannesburg
- This week’s real fares from Lagos
- Lagos travel planning tools
- Other routes: Lagos to Lisbon, Lagos to Ontario, Lagos to Singapore, Lagos to Winnipeg
Also flying to Southern Africa? Read our guide to flights from Lagos to South Africa for airlines, nonstop options, visa and yellow fever checks.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from Lagos to Lusaka?
No. Plan on at least one connection.
Which airlines fly Lagos to Lusaka?
Comparison sites list Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, South African Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates with connections. Confirm schedules with each airline.
How long does the journey take?
Roughly 11 hours at best, and often 15 to 20 hours or more with layovers.
Do I need a visa?
Check the official Zambian immigration portal for your passport, and check transit rules for every connecting country.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Often yes when arriving from Nigeria, so confirm the current rule before you travel.
When should I book?
Earlier usually gives more choice. Check live fares on the airline’s own site.
The bottom line
Flights from Lagos to Lusaka reward careful comparison. Verify your visa and health paperwork first, compare total journey time and all-in cost across a few connection options, and book through the airline’s official channel. Then give yourself plenty of time to reach Lagos airport.
Fares, schedules and entry rules change. Confirm them with airlines and official government sources before you pay. Lagosmove is not an airline or visa agent.
