Saudi airlines are expected to resume direct flight operations between Jeddah and Abuja by January 2027 at the latest, potentially restoring another important air link between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Albalawi, disclosed the plan during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja. The envoy indicated that operations could restart as early as June or by January 2027.
The development could provide additional travel options for Nigerians heading to Saudi Arabia, particularly passengers travelling for Hajj and Umrah, while also strengthening movement between both countries, Brandspur Brand News reports.
Albalawi said Saudi Arabia intends to continue supporting Nigerians travelling to the kingdom for religious purposes, while deepening its wider relationship with Nigeria.
His visit also focused on expanding bilateral cooperation beyond aviation, with both countries looking to strengthen engagement in economic, political, security and information-related areas.
The ambassador said Saudi Arabia and Nigeria share longstanding ties and common values, adding that he intends to work with Nigeria’s information authorities and media organisations to address misinformation about the kingdom.
Idris, in response, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia across the economy, security and other areas of mutual interest.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria had approved three proposed Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia covering cooperation in news exchange, broadcasting and audiovisual media.
One of the agreements involves collaboration between the News Agency of Nigeria and the Saudi Press Agency, creating a framework for closer exchange of news and information between the two state-owned agencies.
Another covers cooperation between the Nigerian Television Authority and the Saudi Broadcasting Authority in radio and television, while the third involves Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission and Saudi Arabia’s General Commission for Audiovisual Media.
Idris said discussions between the information authorities of both countries are expected to continue as they work towards strengthening implementation of the agreements.
The planned return of the Jeddah–Abuja service could be particularly significant for Nigeria’s large number of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia each year, alongside business travellers and other passengers seeking direct connectivity between the two countries.
