Overview
Owerri, the capital of Imo State in south-eastern Nigeria, is the gateway to the heart of Igboland and a hugely popular destination for the UK's Nigerian diaspora visiting family, attending traditional ceremonies, or exploring their roots. Flights to Imo land at Sam Mbakwe International Airport (QOW), a compact airport serving the city and surrounding communities. There are no non-stop flights from the UK, so every journey involves a connection, but with the right planning it's a straightforward trip.
Best time to fly to Imo
Imo has a tropical climate: a wet season from roughly April to October, and a drier, more comfortable spell from November to March, when the harmattan wind brings cooler, hazier days. December is the busiest and most expensive month to fly to Imo, as huge numbers of the diaspora return home for the festive homecoming season, so book well ahead if travelling then. For better value and pleasant weather, January and February are often a smart alternative — check the When to book chart above for the best fare windows throughout the year.
Airlines and routes
Travellers flying to Imo from the UK typically start with a direct flight from London to Lagos with British Airways or Air Peace, a journey of around six to six and a half hours, before connecting onward to Owerri on a short domestic hop of about an hour with carriers such as Air Peace, Ibom Air or United Nigeria Airlines. Some itineraries route via Abuja instead of Lagos, depending on availability and fare. Because this is a connecting journey, comparing airlines and layover times side by side really pays off — use the price charts on this page to see how options stack up.
Things to do in Imo
Owerri and the wider Imo State offer a genuinely rewarding mix of nature, culture and leisure for visitors and returning families alike.
- Oguta Lake: A serene natural lake fringed by resorts, popular for boating and relaxing by the water.
- Nekede Zoological Garden: A long-established zoo and botanical park on the edge of Owerri, popular with families.
- Rojenny Tourist Village: A leisure park with gardens, a mini zoo and picnic spots, ideal for a relaxed day out.
- Mbari National Museum: A showcase of Igbo art, artefacts and traditional mbari house-building craftsmanship.
- Heroes' Square: A central Owerri landmark and green space, good for people-watching and soaking up city life.
At Sam Mbakwe International Airport (QOW)
Sam Mbakwe International Airport sits a short drive outside central Owerri. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the standard way to reach the city centre and surrounding towns, and many hotels can organise a driver to meet you on arrival — well worth booking ahead given the limited public transport options. Allow extra time for arrival formalities, as is typical at Nigerian airports.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Imo
- Book early for December: The festive homecoming season sells out fast and prices climb months in advance.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekend travel.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting by even a few days either side can unlock better fares on both the international and domestic legs.
- Compare airlines and routings: Lagos and Abuja connections can vary significantly in price and layover time, so check both against the charts above.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Nigeria, arranged in advance through Nigeria's e-visa system — apply well before departure, as approval isn't instant. The currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN); UK cards have patchy acceptance outside major hotels, so carrying some cash is sensible. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is generally required for entry, so check current requirements when booking.
