✈️ Ever dreamed of hopping on a flight from Lagos to New York? As of early 2026, many Nigerians are facing a bumpy runway thanks to new US travel restrictions. The United States has rolled out travel limits on 26 African nations, and Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is feeling the impact. 😕
Visa headaches take off
These tighter visa rules land just as the continent's aviation sector was taking off after pandemic delays. According to travel consultant Temitope Adetunji, the new system has left passengers frustrated. "People don't want to waste their money anymore," she says. "Once you apply for a US visa, you hope for the best, but approval feels like pure luck. Some well-funded applicants still get denied without any explanation."
Flights on shaky ground
Currently, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer direct routes between Nigeria and the US, operating 17 weekly flights and serving 207,340 passengers in 2024. But with the new restrictions and tougher visa approvals, industry watchers predict a sharp drop in bookings, potentially leading to cancelled routes or reduced schedules. 📉
Calling for dialogue
Olumide Ohunayo, secretary of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative, urges immediate talks between Abuja and Washington. "We need an ambassador-level dialogue," he notes. "Let's explore economic, cultural, and diplomatic avenues to ease these rules and keep our skies open." 🤝
Security vs. connectivity
The White House frames the measures as part of broader national security and immigration reforms. While safety is a priority, aviation experts warn that cutting ties now could stall the recovery of Nigeria's travel industry and strain US-Nigeria relations. ⏳
As airlines and travellers navigate this turbulence, the aviation community remains hopeful that constructive talks will soon offer a smoother flight path. Stay tuned as we track developments and what they mean for your next journey. 🌍✈️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
