Saudi Airline Flyadeal Commences Operations on Kano, Abuja, Lagos Routes

Saudi Arabia’s private carrier, Flyadeal, has officially commenced charter flight services into Nigeria, with Kano, Abuja, and Lagos as its entry points. The inaugural flight landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) this week, marking a significant addition to Nigeria’s international aviation market.

The service will operate on a fourthnightly basis, targeting religious pilgrims, business travellers, and tourists seeking direct connections to Saudi Arabia. Kano, which has long been recognised as a hub for religious and commercial travel, was chosen as the first stop, before expansion to Abuja and Lagos.

Welcoming the development, the Deputy President (Northern Region) of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), Sabitu Abdulaziz Mohammed, said Flyadeal’s entry would help ease the burden of high airfares on Nigerian travellers. According to him, increased competition among international carriers is expected to drive down costs and improve service quality for passengers.

Aviation stakeholders also noted that the arrival of Flyadeal could strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector by expanding capacity, creating more travel options, and boosting connectivity between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. They added that the move aligns with growing demand for charter and scheduled flights for religious pilgrimage and business exchanges between the two countries.

Industry analysts believe the airline’s presence will enhance Kano’s role as a northern aviation hub, revive activity at MAKIA, and contribute to Nigeria’s broader aviation growth agenda.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola