By Khadija Kubau
Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, is set to commence direct scheduled flights between Jeddah and Abuja from December 1, 2026, providing a new air link between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement was made by the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, during Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day celebration held in Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the development, describing the planned service as an important step in strengthening air connectivity between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to published flight schedules, the Jeddah-Abuja service will initially operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Saudia’s outbound flight, SV337, is scheduled to depart King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 8:45 a.m. and arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 1:05 p.m.
The return flight, SV336, is scheduled to depart Abuja at 2:40 p.m. and arrive in Jeddah at 9:55 p.m.
The route is expected to be operated with an Airbus A321XLR, a narrow-body aircraft designed for longer-range operations.
Aviation schedule data indicates that the frequency could increase to four flights per week between February 10 and March 9, 2027, subject to the final filed schedule.
The introduction of the direct service is expected to offer Nigerian travellers flying from Abuja a more convenient option for reaching Jeddah without the need for connecting flights.
The new route could also have significance for Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah travel sector, providing an additional direct gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah and Madinah, particularly those departing from Abuja and surrounding areas.
The development comes amid efforts by Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to deepen bilateral cooperation in aviation, tourism, religious travel and other areas of mutual interest.
Speaking on the planned service, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, welcomed the development and called for further expansion of air connectivity between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He also advocated the introduction of additional routes, including Lagos, as well as competitive airfares and stronger cargo connections between the two countries.
The commencement of the Jeddah-Abuja route is therefore expected to enhance passenger connectivity while creating additional opportunities for tourism, religious travel and commercial exchanges between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
