Nigeria Plans to Resume Direct Flights with Saudi Arabia

Nigeria Plans to Resume Direct Flights with Saudi Arabia

The Federal Government has announced plans to resume direct flights between Abuja and Jeddah, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yosef bin Mohammed Al Balawi, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, Idris said the flights would make travel easier for Nigerian pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, while also boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

“Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we are committed to translating our shared history into stronger institutional partnerships for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Direct flights between the two countries have existed in the past but have been intermittent. In November 2023, Air Peace began non-stop flights from Kano to Jeddah following earlier seasonal services for pilgrims.

Some Nigerian cities, including Abuja, have previously been served by Saudia Airlines, though regular non-stop flights from the capital have not always operated. Reports indicate that full resumption of the Abuja–Jeddah route may take place by 2027.

The minister also highlighted ongoing cooperation in media, economy, and security. He said Nigeria had endorsed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Saudi media institutions.

The agreements include collaboration in news exchange between the News Agency of Nigeria and the Saudi Press Agency, broadcasting cooperation between the Nigerian Television Authority and the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, and partnership in audio-visual media regulation with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and its Saudi counterparts.

Idris described the agreements as steps to promote media diplomacy and balanced information sharing between the two nations.

He further noted that both countries would continue working together through multilateral organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and UNESCO, to promote peace, cultural dialogue, and sustainable development.

Ambassador Al Balawi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in media, economy, security, and religious matters. He also confirmed ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and facilitate easier travel for Nigerian pilgrims.