The footage of numerous vacant seats gained attention particularly because it surfaced after Delta Airlines had increased its capacity on the route. Late last year, the airline announced daily nonstop flights between JFK and Lagos from December 2024 through February 2025, upgrading from the 223-passenger Airbus A330-200 to the larger 281-passenger Airbus A330-900neo for this period.
The apparent drop in passenger traffic has led industry observers and travelers to speculate on the underlying causes. Some stakeholders suggest that apprehension related to strict US immigration scrutiny and visa policies could be deterring potential travelers. Fears about facing difficulties upon arrival or securing visas for future travel are cited as possible factors.
"The arbitrary visa denials without any reason could be the reason," commented one frequent traveler, reflecting sentiments shared by some. "I know of many who say they’d never go back to the US Embassy for a visa. Of course, [apprehension related to] Trumpism must be high on the list as well... Also, all the tales of border turnbacks and harassment do also have their own chip ins." The traveler noted that the impact of visa issues ongoing for over a year might only now be becoming fully apparent in travel numbers.
This specific concern regarding the US route unfolds within the context of a broader trend: the current low season for international travel from Nigeria, which typically occurs between February and May annually. During this period, airlines often adjust pricing to stimulate demand.
Indeed, BusinessDay reported last week that airlines flying routes from Nigeria to Europe are actively reducing fares and launching promotions. British Airways, for example, recently offered premium economy tickets to London for as low as $300, significantly lower than typical fares exceeding $1000. Generally, economy class return fares from Lagos to Europe have reportedly decreased by 15 to 25 percent compared to the peak rates of N2 million to N3 million seen around the summer of 2024.
The viral video of the sparsely filled Delta flight thus highlights potential specific challenges affecting the US-Nigeria corridor, possibly linked to visa and immigration concerns, while also coinciding with a general seasonal downturn in international passenger traffic from the region that is prompting competitive responses from airlines.