Cheap Flights to Port Harcourt for Christmas: UK Guide

Cheap Flights to Port Harcourt for Christmas: UK Guide

Going home to Port Harcourt for Christmas? There's good news this year: Ethiopian Airlines starts flying to Port Harcourt on 1 December, just in time for the festive season. That gives UK travellers a new one-stop option alongside the existing routes via Frankfurt, Doha, Lagos and Abuja. This guide compares every way to get to Port Harcourt from the UK this Christmas, with baggage, the best dates to fly and when to book.

New for Christmas: Ethiopian Airlines to Port Harcourt

From 1 December, Ethiopian Airlines flies from its hub in Addis Ababa to Port Harcourt four times a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The flight leaves Addis Ababa at 09:30 and lands in Port Harcourt at 12:25 local time. On the way back, it leaves Port Harcourt at 13:10 and arrives in Addis Ababa at 20:30.

• From the UK: fly with Ethiopian from London Heathrow to Addis Ababa, then on to Port Harcourt, all on one ticket.
• Baggage: Ethiopian economy fares usually include 2 x 23kg, which is ideal for Christmas gifts.
• Why it matters: it's a new way to land in Port Harcourt itself, instead of flying to Lagos and connecting. See our Ethiopian Airlines guide.

As it's a new route, flights only run on four days a week, so plan your dates around them. We'll check which days work best for your trip.

All Your Options from the UK to Port Harcourt

Option	Route	Good to know
Ethiopian Airlines	Via Addis Ababa	New from 1 December, 4 flights a week, usually 2 x 23kg
Lufthansa	Via Frankfurt, stopping in Abuja	Long-established, popular with business travellers
Qatar Airways	Via Doha, stopping in Abuja	Departures from several UK airports
Air Peace	Gatwick direct to Lagos, then domestic	2 x 23kg on economy to Lagos
British Airways	Direct to Lagos or Abuja, then domestic	The domestic flight is often on a separate ticket

Flying via Lagos or Abuja? If you book the domestic flight separately, leave plenty of time between flights, and check the domestic baggage allowance, which is often lower than on your international flight. Booking everything through one route on one ticket is usually safer at Christmas, when delays are more common.

Flying from Manchester, Birmingham or Scotland

You don't need to travel to London. Qatar Airways flies to Doha from several UK airports, including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, with connections to Port Harcourt. Lufthansa connects from many UK airports through Frankfurt. Book on one ticket so you're protected if your first flight is late.

The Best Dates to Fly at Christmas

• Most expensive: outbound flights in the week before Christmas, when UK schools break up, and return flights in the first week of January.
• Usually cheaper: flying out in early December, or returning after the first week of January.
• Match Ethiopian's flight days: if you want the new route, plan around Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday arrivals in Port Harcourt.
• Be flexible: moving your trip by 2 or 3 days can save a significant amount per person.

When Should You Book?

Now. Christmas fares to Nigeria rise steadily as the cheaper seats sell out, and a new route like Ethiopian's often has limited seats in its first weeks. Booking in early November is usually much cheaper than waiting until December. If your dates aren't fixed, we can compare a few options for you.

Baggage for Your Christmas Trip

Ethiopian and Air Peace economy fares usually include 2 x 23kg. Allowances on other airlines depend on your fare type, and domestic flights inside Nigeria often allow less. See every airline compared in our Nigeria baggage allowance guide.

Before You Travel

• Visa: UK passport holders need a Nigerian visa before travelling. Apply early, as December is busy. See our Nigeria visa guide.
• Yellow fever: you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria.
• Travel advice: the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to Port Harcourt and parts of Rivers State. Check the latest FCDO advice before you go, and make sure your travel insurance covers your trip.

For more on routes, airport tips and year-round fares, read our full guide to cheap flights to Port Harcourt from the UK, or compare on our Port Harcourt flights page. Flying elsewhere in Nigeria this Christmas? See our Lagos and Abuja Christmas guides, or flights to Enugu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there direct flights from the UK to Port Harcourt?

No. There are no direct flights from the UK to Port Harcourt. You can fly with one stop via Addis Ababa, Frankfurt or Doha, or fly direct to Lagos or Abuja and take a domestic flight.

When do Ethiopian Airlines flights to Port Harcourt start?

Ethiopian Airlines starts flying from Addis Ababa to Port Harcourt on 1 December, four times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

What is the cheapest way to fly to Port Harcourt for Christmas?

It depends on your dates. One-stop flights with Ethiopian, Lufthansa or Qatar Airways are often good value, and flying to Lagos then connecting can sometimes be cheaper. Flying out in early December and returning after the first week of January usually costs less.

How much baggage can I take to Port Harcourt?

Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace economy fares usually include 2 x 23kg. Other airlines depend on your fare type, and domestic flights in Nigeria often allow less. Check your allowance before you book.

Do I need a visa to fly to Port Harcourt?

Yes. UK passport holders need a Nigerian visa before travelling, and you also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria.

Is Dream Fare ATOL protected?

Dream Fare is IATA Affiliated. Flight tickets are issued through our IATA-accredited, ATOL-licensed partner, with ATOL protection provided where applicable to the booking.

Airline schedules and baggage allowances can change. We confirm the latest details for your dates when you book.