Xejet (4U, Lagos) plans to launch international flights to Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2027, targeting business, leisure, and Umrah traffic, the Nigerian airline said in a statement carried by local media.

The aim is to introduce additional aircraft to support the expansion, but the airline did not disclose details of the equipment, nor the airports it intends to serve, except to say that operations will be subject to regulatory approvals in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Group COO Sukh Mann said the airline expects year-round demand for services to Saudi Arabia, with new aircraft providing the capacity and cabin configuration required for the routes.

Xejet previously wet leased an E190 from Windrose Airlines, but that contract ended in January 2025.

Meanwhile, XeJet also plans to expand its domestic network. It launched 3x weekly flights between Abuja and Gusau in October in partnership with the Zamfara state government, after mainly servicing the high-yield business route between Abuja and Lagos.

Further domestic routes and additional capacity over the Christmas and New Year period are planned, according to the statement.

ch-aviation has contacted Xejet for more information.

Xejet operates a fleet of eight aircraft, including five CRJ200ERs, two E145s, and one GVII-G600, the airline confirmed.