Saudia Sets December 1, 2026 Date for Direct Abuja-Jeddah Flights
By Aboki Forex —
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, will begin direct flights between Abuja and Jeddah from December 1, 2026. The service will operate three times weekly with an Airbus A321XLR, according to aviation schedule data.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo confirmed the development after Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day celebration in Abuja. Saudi ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, announced the new service at the event.
Three weekly flights, four in 2027
Saudia plans to operate the Jeddah-Abuja route three times weekly from December 1. The frequency is scheduled to temporarily rise to four weekly flights between February 10 and March 9, 2027.
The route will connect Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja directly with Jeddah. It gives Nigerians heading to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, business, education and other purposes another travel option.
The current schedule shows flight SV337 departing Jeddah at 8:45 am and arriving in Abuja at 1:05 pm. The return flight, SV336, is scheduled to leave Abuja at 2:40 pm and arrive in Jeddah at 9:55 pm.
Newer aircraft push
Keyamo said Saudia would deploy the Airbus A321XLR, the long-range member of the A321neo family, on the route. He said the aircraft choice reflects the Federal Government’s push for foreign carriers serving Nigeria to deploy newer-generation aircraft.
The new aviation connection comes as Nigeria and Saudi Arabia move to expand their relationship beyond longstanding religious and cultural links.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said both countries were exploring deeper cooperation in aviation, agriculture, energy, investment, financial technology and trade.
Idris said Nigerians have travelled to Saudi Arabia for generations for pilgrimage, education and business, but noted that the relationship is increasingly taking on a broader economic dimension. He said the Nigerian government is seeking long-term investment by improving infrastructure and creating clearer frameworks for investors.
The minister identified agriculture and food production, energy, infrastructure, mining and technology among sectors where Saudi businesses could explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.
What it means for travellers
The Abuja-Jeddah service could support those economic links by improving direct connectivity between both countries.
For Nigerian travellers, particularly those based in Abuja and surrounding states, the December launch will provide a direct connection to Jeddah without requiring an international stopover.
In related aviation news, the Cross River State Government has announced plans to expand the fleet of its state-owned airline, Cally Air, with an additional aircraft expected in September 2026. More Nigerian states are investing in aviation to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.