By Milcah Tanimu
United Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its Lagos-Washington D.C. route, increasing flights from three times a week to daily between December 4, 2024, and February 14, 2025. This change represents a 133% increase in available seats compared to the previous year.
Mr. Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales for Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, Israel, and India at United Airlines, revealed the update during a media event at the Marriott Hotel in Lagos. Lettnin highlighted that United Airlines is now officially the largest airline globally, based on available seat miles—a measure that combines flight distance, frequency, and aircraft size across its network.
Lettnin emphasized the airline’s expansive network, stating that United now serves 37 destinations across the Atlantic region, more than any other U.S. carrier. He also noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, United placed the largest aircraft order in U.S. aviation history, with 200 widebody aircraft, and plans to add 100 new aircraft to its fleet annually for the next five years.
United Airlines has also made significant investments in technology, including updates to the United App, which is now used by three million people daily.
Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe, United’s Country Sales Manager for Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded service. She highlighted that the Lagos-Washington D.C. route will now operate daily and remains the only nighttime departure from Lagos to the U.S., offering passengers more travel options and convenient connections to over 70 destinations across the Americas.
Since the launch of its Lagos to Washington service in 2021, United has been operating flights with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring advanced comfort and amenities, including United Polaris business class, United Premium Plus premium economy, Economy Plus, and standard economy seating.
The expansion of flights from Lagos comes alongside United’s broader growth in Africa, with a new route to Marrakesh, Morocco starting October 25, 2024.