Premium Nigerian airline XEJet Limited is preparing to introduce new routes with Saudi Arabia as part of its international expansion strategy.The airline has operations targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2027. XEJet Limited plans to introduce additional aircraft to support the expansion while strengthening its domestic network. The move marks a significant step in XEJet’s ambition to extend its operations beyond Nigeria.
New Routes Target Saudi Arabia
The airline is targeting Saudi Arabia as its first international market, with plans to serve business, leisure and religious travellers. Umrah traffic is expected to form an important part of the proposed operations. Unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Umrah can be performed throughout the year, providing opportunities for consistent passenger demand across different travel periods.
XEJet said the introduction of additional aircraft would provide the capacity required for its planned international operations. It also expects the new fleet additions to support the longer international sectors while offering an appropriate cabin configuration for its target passenger market.
Details of the proposed Saudi Arabian operations remain under development. These include the specific airports to be served, flight schedules and ticket fares. XEJet said it would announce the information separately as preparations progress.
Meanwhile, the proposed launch remains subject to regulatory approvals from the relevant aviation authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The airline is working towards commencing the services in the first quarter of 2027.
The international expansion will also run alongside plans to introduce additional new routes within Nigeria. XEJet recently commenced Abuja-Gusau operations in partnership with the Zamfara State Government, extending its domestic footprint to another part of the country.
The Abuja-Gusau service commenced in October and operates three times weekly. Flights currently run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The partnership represents an important development in the airline’s domestic expansion, particularly in improving scheduled air connectivity to Zamfara State.
XEJet said it intends to introduce more domestic destinations as part of its wider network development strategy. However, the airline has yet to announce the additional destinations or their proposed commencement dates.
The airline also intends to strengthen connectivity during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year travel period. This forms part of its broader efforts to increase passenger access across Nigerian destinations while preparing for its international expansion.
Speaking on the development, Sukhjinder Mann, Group Chief Operating Officer of XEJet, said Saudi Arabia would become the airline’s first international market. He identified business, leisure and Umrah travel as the principal segments targeted by the proposed operations.
“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. The new aircraft will give us the capacity and the right cabin mix for that sector.
“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 said.
The planned expansion signals XEJet’s intention to develop its domestic operations while establishing an international presence. The airline’s ability to execute the strategy will depend on aircraft availability, regulatory clearances and the successful development of its proposed route network.
With Saudi Arabia identified as its first international destination, XEJet is positioning itself to participate in the growing market for business, leisure and religious travel between Nigeria and the Kingdom. Its planned domestic additions could also strengthen connectivity as the airline works towards its first international launch in 2027.
