Saudia to Launch Direct Jeddah-Abuja Flights December 1
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, is set to commence direct flights between Jeddah and Abuja on December 1, 2026, opening a new scheduled air link between the two countries and creating a direct connection to one of Saudi Arabia’s principal gateways for Nigerian travellers.
The development was announced by Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, during Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day celebration in Abuja, according to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Published flight schedules show that the Jeddah-Abuja service is planned to operate three times weekly initially, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Saudia’s outbound service, flight SV337, is scheduled to depart King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 8:45am and arrive at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 1:05pm.
The return service, SV336, is scheduled to leave Abuja at 2:40pm and arrive in Jeddah at 9:55pm.
Saudia to Launch Direct Jeddah-Abuja Flights December 1
The route is planned to be operated with an Airbus A321XLR, an aircraft designed for longer-range operations. Aviation schedule data indicates that the service will increase to four weekly flights between February 10 and March 9, 2027, subject to the filed schedule.
The launch is expected to provide Nigerian passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia with a direct option from Abuja, eliminating the need for connecting flights on the route.
For Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah sector, the new connection could also provide an additional gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah and Madinah, particularly those originating from Abuja and neighbouring areas.
The development comes as Nigeria and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen cooperation in aviation, tourism, religious travel and other sectors.
The proposed route also aligns with wider calls for stronger air connectivity between both countries, with Nigeria’s House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, welcoming the planned service and advocating additional routes, including Lagos, as well as competitive fares and stronger cargo links.
