By Sylvia Johnson, LagosMove Senior Editor | Last updated: November 4, 2026
Yes, South African Airways (SAA) flies nonstop between Lagos (LOS) and Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB). Flight SA61 leaves Lagos and SA60 returns, with about five hours of air time. Recent listings show three to four departures a week, leaving Lagos in the evening and landing in Johannesburg in the early morning. Schedules change by season, so confirm your date on SAA’s Lagos booking page before you pay.
South African Airways Lagos to Johannesburg at a glance
| Detail | What we found |
|---|---|
| Route | Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) |
| Flight numbers | SA61 (Lagos to Johannesburg), SA60 (Johannesburg to Lagos) |
| Stops | Nonstop |
| Frequency | About 3–4 flights a week, varying by season |
| Typical timing | Scheduled around 22:00 departure, around 04:55 arrival next morning |
| Air time | Roughly 5 hours 10 to 25 minutes (about 4,500 km) |
| Johannesburg arrival | OR Tambo, Terminal A (per Airportia) |
Sources: Airportia SA61 data, FlightsFrom JNB–LOS schedule. Checked November 4, 2026.
Does South African Airways fly from Lagos to Johannesburg?
It does. Airportia’s tracker showed SA61 operating on Friday, October 30, 2026, and landing on time. FlightsFrom lists SA60 as the nonstop return. Airportia has shown departures on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, while FlightsFrom counts three weekly flights. Frequency often differs between seasons and data sources, so treat both as guides and check the exact date in SAA’s booking engine.
SAA Lagos–Johannesburg schedule: a late departure and a very early arrival
The scheduled departure from Lagos is around 22:00. Flights have often landed a little early, but a scheduled 04:55 arrival means you reach Johannesburg before most hotels offer standard check-in. Plan for that:
- Ask your hotel about early check-in, or book the previous night so a room is ready when you land.
- Arrange an airport transfer in advance for a pre-dawn arrival.
- Keep your visa, passport, return ticket and accommodation details in your cabin bag for immigration.
An evening flight also leaves you a free day in Lagos. Our guide to day-use hotels in Lagos covers where to rest before you leave, and ibis Lagos Airport Hotel is one option near the terminals.
How much do SAA flights from Lagos to Johannesburg cost?
Fares move daily, so use these as a snapshot, not a quote. On November 4, 2026, SAA’s own listings showed round-trip Economy fares from about ₦1.26 million for December–January travel, and about ₦1.29 million for a November–March window. Skyscanner’s route page listed one-way SAA fares from around $585 on sampled dates.
What changes the price:
- Season: December and January are peak.
- Booking window: last-minute fares are usually higher.
- Day of travel: compare adjacent dates.
- Fare type: baggage, changes and refunds depend on the fare you pick.
- Return date: return fares are priced as a pair, so compare one-way and round-trip.
For wider fare-comparison habits, read our guide to cheap flights from Lagos, and see International Flights From Lagos for other routes. If you’d rather have help, our guide to comparing travel agents in Lagos explains how to check an agency before you pay.
South Africa visa and yellow fever rules for Nigerian travellers
Sort this out before you buy a ticket. Nigerian passport holders need a visa for South Africa, and the visa checklist asks for a confirmed flight booking. The VFS Global checklist for Nigeria lists items including:
- A passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended stay
- A completed application form and photographs
- Hotel reservations made directly with the hotel, not through third-party booking sites
- Three months of bank statements, or a sponsor letter
- A verifiable flight booking
- A fully completed yellow fever card
The same checklist says the only yellow fever cards it accepts are those issued by Port Health. Vaccinate at least 10 days before travel so the certificate is valid. Fees, processing times and rules change, so check VFS Global for the current process before you apply. Our guide on Lagos to South Africa flights covers the visa journey in more depth.
SAA baggage allowance: what to expect
SAA’s baggage pages describe a piece-based system. SAA’s checked-baggage page lists one piece up to 23 kg in Economy. Other published summaries list two pieces up to 32 kg each in Business, with a size limit of 158 cm (length + width + height) per bag. Cabin baggage is generally listed at up to 8 kg. Your fare and booking can differ, so read the allowance on your confirmation and on SAA’s baggage page. Excess and oversize bags cost extra, so weigh your bags before leaving home.
Getting to the airport for a late-night departure
International passengers should allow plenty of time for traffic, check-in, security and immigration. Terminal arrangements at Murtala Muhammed Airport have been changing this year, so confirm the terminal for your flight with SAA before you travel. These guides help:
- Lagos Airport Guide: Terminals, Transfers, Flights and Hotels
- Airport ride-hailing rules at Lagos Airport
- Murtala Muhammed Airport lounge access
- What to buy at MMIA duty-free
- How to store luggage in Lagos if your check-out and flight times don’t line up
If you need help at the airport, see how to request mobility assistance for flights from Lagos.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed
Keep your booking reference, contact SAA first, and save every message. Our step-by-step guide to what to do when a Lagos flight is cancelled covers refunds and rebooking.
Other ways to reach Johannesburg and South Africa
If SAA doesn’t fly on your date or the fare doesn’t suit you, compare other airlines and one-stop routes, usually via hubs such as Addis Ababa, Doha, Dubai or Istanbul. Check each ticket’s operating carrier, layover and baggage rules. Compare:
- Flights From Lagos to Johannesburg (all airlines)
- Lagos to South Africa Flights
- Flights From Lagos to Cape Town
For background on the airline, see South African Airways on Wikipedia.
Pre-booking checklist
- Confirm SA61 operates on your exact date.
- Check your South Africa visa timeline and yellow fever card.
- Compare round-trip and one-way fares across nearby dates.
- Read the baggage allowance on your fare.
- Plan your early-morning arrival: transfer and hotel check-in.
- Confirm your Lagos terminal and check-in time with SAA.
Frequently asked questions
Does South African Airways fly from Lagos to Johannesburg?
Yes. SAA operates nonstop service between Lagos (LOS) and Johannesburg (JNB) as flights SA61 and SA60. Frequency varies by season, so confirm your date on SAA’s website.
How long is the flight from Lagos to Johannesburg?
Air time is about 5 hours 10 to 25 minutes. The scheduled block time is longer, and Johannesburg is one hour ahead of Lagos.
How much is an SAA flight from Lagos to Johannesburg?
On November 4, 2026, SAA listed round-trip Economy fares from about ₦1.26 million, and Skyscanner showed one-way fares from around $585 on sampled dates. Prices change with season and demand.
Do Nigerians need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. Apply through the process on the VFS Global checklist and confirm current requirements before booking, since rules and fees change.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Yes. The VFS checklist requires a fully completed yellow fever card, and it says only cards issued by Port Health are accepted. Vaccinate at least 10 days before you travel.
How much luggage can I take on SAA?
SAA lists one checked piece up to 23 kg in Economy. Confirm the allowance on your own booking.
Which airport in Johannesburg does SAA use?
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Airportia lists SA61 arriving at Terminal A.
