Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are set to expand their aviation ties, with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, scheduled to commence direct flights between Abuja and Jeddah in December, the Nigerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Yakubu Gambo, has said.
Gambo disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, noting that the new service would be extended to Lagos and Port Harcourt, while Kano would maintain its existing direct flight arrangement.
He said additional routes were expected to become operational before the end of the first quarter of 2027, as both countries continued efforts to improve air connectivity.
“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.
The ambassador explained that the planned flights followed engagements and adjustments with Saudi aviation authorities, who had expressed readiness to support direct air services between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to Gambo, Saudi Arabia has also indicated its willingness to offer technical and financial assistance to enable Nigeria operate flights through its national carrier.
He said the development would ease travel for Nigerian pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah, allowing them to travel directly between the two countries without passing through other territories.
“They wouldn’t want pilgrims coming for Umrah or Hajj to fly through other territories that may not be safe,” he said.
Gambo added that President Bola Tinubu had been briefed on the proposal and welcomed the initiative, confirming that direct flights would also be available to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2027 Hajj exercise.
