Delta Airlines’ Nigeria-US service clocks 16 years with celebration

• To deploy ungauged aircraft for holiday season

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

The Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport service of Delta Airlines, clocked 16 years recently and the airline rolled out the drums to celebrate.

Delta remains the only United States carrier to operate nonstop service between Nigeria and Atlanta offering hundreds of onward connecting opportunities via Delta’s leading U.S. gateway.

Speaking on the development, Jimmy Eichelgruen, Delta’s regional sales manager for Africa said, “Delta’s flight between Lagos and Atlanta has gone from strength to strength, and we have continued to see strong demand for our service to popular U.S. destinations including to Houston, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas and New York.

“Traffic between the United States and Africa remains a growing sector in aviation. We have maintained a strong footprint between the African continent and the U.S. and we currently operate service from Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal and Ghana,” he added.

Delta said it is up-gauging its aircraft on the Lagos to Atlanta route over the Christmas and New Year period operating an Airbus A350-900 to support additional holiday traffic.

According to the airline, effective 16 December 2023 until 14 January 2024, customers will have the opportunity to experience the A350-900 offering an additional 166 daily seats between the two countries.

“Delta customers flying from Nigeria to the U.S. will continue to enjoy the opportunity to fly on full-flat Delta One beds, Delta Premium Select, as well as Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service. Customers can look forward to an extensive food and beverage program that includes thoughtfully curated menu options. All customers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options and stay connected with Wi-Fi for purchase and enjoy free mobile messaging,” the airline said.

Delta’s winter schedule from Lagos to Atlanta will operate as follows: 

Flight DL55 departs Lagos at 12. 25 and arrives Atlanta at 19.10 on daily frequency; 

Flight D:54 departs Atlanta at 17.05 and arrives Lagos at 10.10 (next day) on daily frequency.

Delta operates to five cities in four African countries, including Accra in Ghana; Dakar in Senegal; Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa; and Lagos in Nigeria.

The airline operates a one-year Business Internship Programme in four African nations including Nigeria, that enables students to build on their experience working in a global organisation. It also supports Junior Achievement Africa.