Nigerian airline, XEJet Limited, says preparations are in top gear to launch international services to Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2027.
The airline also said it is expecting a new aircraft to provide the capacity needed to support its expansion drive.
The proposed flights, the airline explained would target business, leisure and Umrah travellers, with operations subject to regulatory approvals in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
XEJet said the new aircraft would provide the seat capacity and cabin configuration required for long-haul international operations, enabling the airline to enter its first international market.
However, no mention has been made about the Saudi airports it intends to operate in as well as flight schedules and fares.
XEJet said these details will be released separately after the necessary regulatory approvals have been secured.
Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed throughout the year, is expected to form a key part of the airline’s target market, alongside business and leisure travel.
The airline explained that the year-round nature of Umrah would help support demand beyond the traditional peak travel periods.
Speaking on the expansion, XEJet Group Chief Operating Officer, Sukhjinder Mann, informed that Saudi Arabia would be the airline’s first international market, with business, leisure and Umrah travel forming the focus of its operations.
According to him, “Saudi Arabia is the first international market; business, leisure, and Umrah travel are the key sectors to be served, and we are confident that there is year-round demand between the two key city pairs.”
He said the new aircraft would provide the capacity and cabin mix required for the proposed international services.
XEJet expands domestic network
beyond its international plans and also expanding its domestic network to improve connectivity between Nigerian cities.
Recall that airline launched flights between Abuja and Gusau in October in partnership with the Zamfara State Government.
According to the airline, the flights operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while additional domestic routes are being planned.
Mann stated that the airline was working to expand its domestic network to enable passengers from more Nigerian cities to connect to its proposed international services.
“At home, we are adding routes so that passengers in more Nigerian cities can connect to it,” he stated.
The airline also plans to increase connectivity during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year travel period, when demand for domestic air travel typically rises.
The GCOO said the airline would announce its international schedules and fares once the required approvals were in place.
In his words, “We will also be boosting connectivity during the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. We will share schedules and fares as soon as the approvals are in place.”
The proposed Saudi Arabia operations represent a major step in XEJet’s expansion strategy, as the airline seeks to combine international services with a growing domestic network.
The airline’s ability to commence the planned operations will depend on the completion of regulatory processes in both countries and the finalisation of its route and operational arrangements.
About The Author
