Nigerian carrier XEJet Limited is working towards launching its first international flights to Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2027, as it prepares to expand its fleet and strengthen its domestic network.
The proposed services will target business, leisure and religious travellers, with Umrah traffic expected to be a key component of the airline’s operations. The expansion will mark XEJet’s first move beyond the Nigerian market as it seeks to establish a presence on international routes.
The airline’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Sukhjinder Mann, said Saudi Arabia had been selected as its first international market, citing year-round demand for travel between the two countries.
He explained that additional aircraft would provide the capacity and cabin configuration required to support the proposed operations, particularly on the longer international sectors.
“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,” Mann said.
The airline is yet to disclose the Saudi airports it intends to serve, flight schedules or ticket fares. These details are expected to be announced once the necessary regulatory approvals have been secured from aviation authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Umrah, which can be undertaken throughout the year, is expected to provide a source of passenger demand beyond the seasonal Hajj pilgrimage period, alongside business and leisure travel.
While preparing for its international debut, XEJet is also pursuing domestic network expansion to improve connectivity and create more travel options for passengers within Nigeria.
The carrier commenced flights between Abuja and Gusau in October through a partnership with the Zamfara State Government. The service currently operates three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, providing scheduled air connectivity to the state.
Mann said the airline was working to introduce additional domestic destinations, enabling passengers from more Nigerian cities to connect with its planned international services.
XEJet also intends to increase connectivity during the Christmas and New Year travel period to accommodate demand across its domestic network.
“At home, we are adding routes so that passengers in more Nigerian cities can connect to it. 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,” Mann added.
The planned expansion will depend on aircraft availability, regulatory clearances and the completion of operational arrangements for the proposed routes. If implemented as scheduled, the Saudi Arabia service will represent a significant development in XEJet’s growth strategy, combining an expanding domestic network with its entry into international aviation.
