Flights to Africa

Nonstop flights from the United States to Africa are still limited, but the options available connect you with major regional hubs. The most common direct routes include New York to Johannesburg, Washington DC to Addis Ababa, and Atlanta to Lagos. These flights are usually operated by Delta Air Lines and Ethiopian Airlines. Most travelers starting their trip outside these cities use a short domestic flight to connect with one of these nonstop routes.

Many US travelers choose one-stop connections because they open up a wider range of destinations across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. Carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines are strong options because they connect through major global hubs with frequent departures. Their routes also cover popular cities such as Nairobi, Cape Town, Zanzibar, Accra, Dakar and Dar es Salaam. These airlines are known for smooth connections, good onboard service and consistent long-haul pricing.

Travel to Africa is usually cheapest during January, February and early March. These months fall just after the holiday season and before spring travel picks up. If you’re traveling during summer or festive periods, booking six to nine months early can help you avoid price spikes. Fares also vary depending on the region. Southern Africa tends to be more expensive during December and January, while East Africa gets pricier during July and August.

Flight times depend on where you’re departing from and which region of Africa you’re visiting. Nonstop flights from the East Coast to Johannesburg take around 14 to 16 hours. Lagos is usually about 10 to 12 hours nonstop from Atlanta. If you're traveling to East Africa with one stop, total travel time often falls between 15 and 18 hours. North Africa is the quickest, with many US travelers reaching Morocco or Egypt in about 11 to 13 hours through Europe.

Entry rules differ across the continent, so it’s important to check requirements before booking your flight. South Africa allows US travelers to stay up to 90 days without a visa. Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorization, which is completed online before you arrive. Tanzania currently uses an e-Visa system, and Egypt offers both traditional visas and online applications. A few countries also require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from, or transiting through, certain regions.

Nonstop service from the US to Africa is mostly concentrated on the East Coast. Cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Houston do not currently have direct options to Africa. Travelers in these regions usually connect through Europe or the Middle East, which adds flexibility and more destinations to choose from. Even with a stop, travel times are competitive because connecting hubs like Frankfurt, Istanbul and Doha operate efficient long-haul schedules.

Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt and London are some of the most reliable transit hubs for Africa-bound travelers. Airlines such as KLM, Air France, Lufthansa and British Airways offer coordinated connections into dozens of African cities. These hubs also help keep total travel times manageable, especially if you’re flying to places with fewer direct options, such as Namibia, Botswana or Rwanda.

The best premium-cabin deals often appear during shoulder seasons like April, May, September and October. These periods avoid major holiday rushes while still offering good weather in many parts of Africa. Gulf carriers and Turkish Airlines often lead the way in competitive Business Class pricing, especially for destinations in East and Southern Africa.

New York (JFK/EWR), Washington DC (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) tend to have the broadest choice of one-stop itineraries. These airports are supported by strong international carriers and frequent transatlantic departures, which makes finding connections easier and sometimes cheaper.

There are no true low-cost long-haul airlines flying directly from the US to North Africa today. However, you can save money by flying to Europe with an affordable transatlantic carrier like Norse, PLAY or Icelandair, then connecting with low-cost European airlines into North Africa. Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt typically have the best availability of budget flights.