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Most flights from Lagos leave from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja. International departures now check in at a temporary hall beside Terminal 2. Domestic flights use MMA2 or the older domestic area. Route listings show nonstop flights from Lagos to London on Virgin Atlantic and Air Peace, so some travelers may not need a connection at all.

Key Takeaways

  • FAAN says Terminal 1 is fully closed for rebuilding. International departures use a temporary hall next to Terminal 2.
  • Route data lists nonstop flights from Lagos to London Heathrow (Virgin Atlantic) and London Gatwick (Air Peace). Check other routes with the airline before you rely on one.
  • Domestic airlines split between MMA2 and the older domestic terminal. Check your booking, not your memory.
  • FAAN advises arriving at least three hours before international departures.
  • NCAA Part 19 sets airline duties for domestic delays and cancellations. Cancellation compensation depends on how much notice you get.

How We Checked This Guide

This guide uses FAAN notices, NCAA Part 19, and 2026 reporting from The Tribune. Route listings come from 2026 airline route data and can change by season. Schedules and terminal assignments change often, so confirm with your airline before you travel.

Which Lagos Terminal Is Your Flight From?

Lagos has one airport but several departure buildings. Going to the wrong one can cost you your flight, because the buildings are physically separate.

International flights: temporary departure hall

FAAN says Terminal 1 is fully closed during its rehabilitation. International departures use a temporary hall beside Terminal 2, and international arrivals continue through Terminal 2. FAAN has not confirmed a reopening date. A 2026 press report describes the rebuild as about 22 months. On 28 June 2026, heavy rain flooded the temporary hall. FAAN moved affected airlines, including Air France-KLM, Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Gabon, to Terminal 2. Operations resumed on 29 June, and FAAN said no flights were cancelled because of the incident.

Read the official details on the FAAN MMIA rehabilitation FAQ (https://faan.gov.ng/news/faqs-on-the-mmia-rehabilitation-and-expansion-project/).

Domestic flights: MMA2 or the older domestic terminal

Domestic flights use MMA2 or the older domestic terminal, which reporting lists as GAT or MMA1. A Tribune report from August 2026 lists these assignments:

  • MMA2: Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Air Peace, Binani Air, Enugu Air, Ibom Air, Max Air, ValueJet, XEjet, United Nigeria Airlines and Umza Air.
  • Older domestic terminal (GAT): Air Peace, Arik Air, Green Africa, NG Eagle and Overland Airways.

Air Peace and Arik Air use both buildings, depending on the route. Read your e-ticket, then send the exact terminal name to your driver. For a deeper breakdown, see our MMIA, MMA1 and MMA2 terminal guide (https://lagosmove.com.ng/lagos-airport-terminal-guide-3/) and our Lagos domestic terminal guide (https://lagosmove.com.ng/lagos-domestic-terminal/).

Direct International Flights from Lagos

You can fly nonstop from Lagos to London. The table shows the two London routes confirmed in 2026 route data.

Destination Arrival Airport Nonstop Airline(s) Listed What to Check
London Heathrow (LHR) Virgin Atlantic Fare type and baggage allowance
London Gatwick (LGW) Air Peace Rail or road link to your final address

Source: 2026 airline route listings from travel booking sites. A listed route does not mean a flight runs every day. Confirm on the airline’s own website.

For the UK route in detail, read our guide to flights from Lagos to the United Kingdom (https://lagosmove.com.ng/flights-from-lagos-to-united-kingdom/). For 12 routes side by side, see international flights from Lagos (https://lagosmove.com.ng/international-flights-from-lagos/).

When you will need a connection

Many cities have no nonstop flight from Lagos, so check the route before you book. A connection can cost less, but it adds travel time and may need a transit visa. For route options to Houston, see our guide to flights from Lagos to Houston (https://lagosmove.com.ng/flights-from-lagos-to-houston/).

Domestic Flights from Lagos

Domestic airlines fly from Lagos to cities including Abuja and Enugu. Check each route on the airline’s website.

Fares change daily with demand, season and how early you book. We do not publish fixed fares because they go out of date quickly. To find the real price:

1. Search two or three airline websites for the same date.
2. Compare the fare type, not just the price. Cheaper fares often include less baggage.
3. Check which Lagos terminal each airline uses before you pay.

For shorter trips, road travel may make more sense. Compare options in our Lagos to Asaba transport guide (https://lagosmove.com.ng/lagos-to-asaba-transport-price-list-2026/).

Check-In Timing, Baggage and Documents

Timing

FAAN advises arriving at least three hours before international departures. For domestic flights, check your airline’s advised arrival time. Your airline’s check-in closing time on your booking still applies, so check your confirmation or airline app.

Baggage

Baggage allowance depends on your airline, route and fare type. Check the “baggage” line on your e-ticket. Weigh your bags at home. If you expect to go over the limit, ask the airline for its excess-baggage rate before you get to the airport.

Documents

  • International: a valid passport, any required visa, and your booking reference.
  • Domestic: a valid government-issued photo ID that your airline accepts.

Check entry and transit rules on the IATA Travel Centre (https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/). For passport renewal, use the Nigeria Immigration Service (https://immigration.gov.ng/). Before your trip, read our guide to Lagos airport immigration questions (https://lagosmove.com.ng/lagos-airport-immigration-questions/).

Getting to the Airport

Lagos traffic is hard to predict. Rush hour, rain, holidays and road works can add a lot of time. Check a live map before you leave and build in a generous buffer. Our Lagos road trip times guide (https://lagosmove.com.ng/lagos-road-trip-times/) explains when to leave.

  • Tell your driver the exact terminal, not just “the airport”.
  • On ride-hailing apps, match the driver name and plate number before you get in.
  • Share your trip link with someone you trust.
  • Keep your passport and phone on you, not in the boot.

For costs, safety and transfers, see our full Lagos airport travel guide (https://lagosmove.com.ng/lagos-airport-travel-guide/).

Delays and Cancellations: Your NCAA Rights

For domestic flights, NCAA Part 19 sets rules on cancellation compensation. The rule depends on how much notice the airline gives:

  • Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice: the operating airline owes compensation of at least 25 percent of the fare.
  • Cancellation with at least 24 hours’ notice: this compensation does not apply.

Airlines may not owe compensation if they prove extraordinary circumstances. Read the NCAA Part 19 regulation (https://www.ncaa.gov.ng/documents/regulations/nig-cars-2023/part-19-consumer-protection/) and the NCAA FAQs (https://ncaa.gov.ng/faqs/). For international flights, the rules depend on the airline and route, so check your airline’s conditions of carriage. If your flight is cancelled, follow our cancelled Lagos flight guide (https://lagosmove.com.ng/cancelled-lagos-flight-2/).

Before You Leave Home: Checklist

1. Confirm your flight time and terminal in the airline app.
2. Check your baggage allowance and weigh your bags.
3. Make sure your passport has enough validity for your destination.
4. Check visa and transit rules for every country on your route.
5. Plan your ride and leave early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there direct flights from Lagos to London?

Yes. Route data lists nonstop flights from Lagos to London Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic, and to London Gatwick on Air Peace. Confirm the schedule for your dates on the airline’s own website.

Which terminal do international flights from Lagos use?

According to FAAN, Terminal 1 is closed for rebuilding. International departures check in at a temporary departure hall beside Terminal 2, and arrivals use Terminal 2.

How early should I get to Lagos airport for an international flight?

FAAN advises arriving at least three hours before international departures. Your airline’s check-in closing time on your booking still applies.

What are my rights if a domestic flight from Lagos is delayed?

NCAA Part 19 covers airline duties for domestic flights. If the airline cancels with less than 24 hours’ notice, the passenger is owed compensation of at least 25 percent of the fare. Read Part 19 for the full rules.

Do I need a transit visa for a connecting flight from Lagos?

It depends on your passport, the connecting country, and whether you leave the airport. Check the IATA Travel Centre (https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/) and the connecting country’s official visa site, such as GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) for UK connections, before you book.

Related Guides on LagosMove

About the Editor

This guide was researched and published by the LagosMove Senior Editor.

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