Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are moving towards expanding direct air transportation between the two countries, with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, expected to commence flights between Abuja and Jeddah in December.
The planned service is expected to be extended to Lagos and Port Harcourt, while Kano will maintain its existing direct flight connection. Further routes are also projected to become operational before the end of the first quarter of 2027.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, made this known during an interview with journalists on Sunday. He explained that the development followed engagements and adjustments involving Saudi aviation authorities, who had indicated their willingness to facilitate improved air links between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Providing details of the proposed arrangement, Mr Gambo said the initial Abuja-Jeddah service would pave the way for additional connections to other major Nigerian cities. “By December, we will start having Saudi air flights directly from Abuja. And it will scale up to Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano,” he said.
He further disclosed that Saudi Arabia had expressed readiness to offer Nigeria both technical and financial assistance to support the operation of flights through its national carrier. The initiative, according to the ambassador, is expected to improve travel convenience and strengthen aviation cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Gambo noted that one of the major objectives of the arrangement was to provide Nigerian Muslims travelling for Hajj and Umrah with direct flight options, eliminating the need for connecting journeys through other countries. He explained that the move was also informed by concerns over the safety of pilgrims during international transit.
“They wouldn’t want pilgrims coming for Umrah or Hajj to fly through other territories that may not be safe,” he said.
The ambassador added that President Bola Tinubu had been informed about the proposed aviation arrangement and expressed support for the initiative. He also confirmed that Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2027 Hajj exercise would benefit from the direct flight services, further strengthening transportation arrangements for religious travellers between both countries.
