Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, is scheduled to commence direct flight operations connecting Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, to Jeddah beginning December 1, 2026. The move promises to introduce a seamless travel alternative for passengers and further solidify bilateral relations between the two nations.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the development following the 96th National Day celebration of Saudi Arabia in Abuja. The announcement was originally delivered by Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria.
Flight Schedule and Fleet Details
According to official aviation schedule data, Saudia Airlines will initially operate three weekly flights on the route. To accommodate peak travel demands, this frequency is programmed to increase temporarily to four weekly flights between February 10 and March 9, 2027.
The airline is set to deploy the Airbus A321XLR, a cutting-edge, long-range member of the A321neo family. Minister Keyamo highlighted that this aircraft choice aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing initiative pushing foreign carriers to utilize newer-generation, more efficient models when operating in Nigerian airspace.
The scheduled times for the new service are structured as follows:
- Flight SV337: Departs Jeddah at 8:45 am and arrives in Abuja at 1:05 pm.
- Flight SV336: Departs Abuja at 2:40 pm and arrives in Jeddah at 9:55 pm.
Strengthening Economic and Diplomatic Ties
This direct air link connects the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja directly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering a reliable route for tourists, business professionals, students, and religious pilgrims.
While religious pilgrimage has historically driven travel between the two countries, government officials emphasize that the partnership is evolving. Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, pointed out that both nations are actively seeking to expand their collaborative efforts. Ongoing discussions span critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, financial technology, investment, and international trade, signaling a deeper economic alliance for the future.