By Sylvia Johnson, LagosMove Senior Editor
Last updated: October 26, 2026
The short answer: SAUDIA is the only airline we found with a regular scheduled nonstop between Lagos (LOS) and Jeddah (JED). Schedule listings show it at about 6 hours 45 minutes. If the nonstop doesn’t fit your dates or budget, the most practical one-stop routes go through Addis Ababa, Doha, Cairo, Dubai or Istanbul.
Before you pay, check one thing: your Saudi visa route. Nigerian passport holders can’t get the Saudi tourist eVisa on nationality alone. Umrah and Hajj travel each follow their own process.
LagosMove is an independent guide. We don’t sell tickets, and we don’t speak for any airline or government.
Key Takeaways
- Nonstop: SAUDIA runs the only regular scheduled nonstop we could confirm. Frequency changes, so check the live SAUDIA schedule.
- One stop: Ethiopian (Addis Ababa), Qatar Airways (Doha), EgyptAir (Cairo), Emirates (Dubai) and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) are the main options to compare.
- Distance and time: Lagos to Jeddah is about 4,200 km (2,600 miles) in a straight line. Jeddah is 2 hours ahead of Lagos.
- Visa first: Sort out your visa route before you buy a fare you can’t refund.
- Pilgrims: Umrah visas go through Nusuk or an authorised agent. Nigerian Hajj travel goes through NAHCON.
- Health: The SAUDI MINISTRY OF HEALTH lists Nigeria for yellow fever, meningococcal and polio requirements for Umrah travelers.
Nonstop vs Connecting: Which Route Fits You?
A nonstop gets you there fastest and has no transit rules to deal with. A connection can cost less or give you more dates to pick from. The trade-off is extra travel time, and each hub has its own rules.
| Route | Airline | Stop | Transit note | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOS to JED nonstop | Saudia | None | No transit | Speed, Umrah groups, fewer bag risks |
| LOS to ADD to JED | Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | Airside transit without a visa, per Ethiopian | Wide date choice, Africa connections |
| LOS to DOH to JED | Qatar Airways | Doha | Airside transit without a visa, per Visit Qatar | Comfort and frequent onward flights |
| LOS to CAI to JED | EgyptAir | Cairo | Rules for Nigerian passports are unclear; confirm with EgyptAir | Fare comparison |
| LOS to DXB to JED | Emirates | Dubai | Confirm with the airline | Long layovers with lounge access |
| LOS to IST to JED | Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | Confirm with the airline | Combining Europe and Saudi trips |
Use the table as a starting list, not as proof that a flight runs on your date. Check live schedules on GOOGLE FLIGHTS or with each airline before you decide.
Airlines Flying Lagos to Jeddah
The Saudia nonstop
SAUDIA publishes its route network and timetable on its official flight schedule page. Recent listings show a few flights a week. The number changes by season, so check your exact dates.
A note on terms: a “direct” flight keeps one flight number but may stop on the way. A “nonstop” doesn’t stop at all. Check the stop count before you book.
Air Peace has shown up in route data for this market, with a listed end date of November 14, 2026. We could not confirm regular, bookable service. Ask Air Peace directly before you count on it.
Connecting airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is often the easiest one-stop choice from Lagos. It also offers Addis Ababa stopovers if you want a break on the way. Gulf carriers give you more onward flights to Jeddah. EgyptAir is worth checking when fares matter most.
For a wider view of who flies out of Murtala Muhammed, see our guide to airlines in Lagos and our overview of international flights from Lagos. If you’re weighing a stop in the Gulf or Turkey, our Lagos to Dubai flights guide and Lagos to Istanbul flights guide cover those first legs.
How to Find a Fair Price
We don’t publish fixed fares, because prices change daily. Here’s how to compare them properly:
- Search nearby dates. Use the date grid on Google Flights to see how a day either way changes the price.
- Compare the full cost. Add checked bags, seat fees and card charges before you compare offers.
- Watch the pilgrim seasons. Seats get tight around Ramadan and Hajj, so book early if your dates are fixed.
- Avoid separate tickets on tight connections. If the first flight runs late, the airline on the second ticket doesn’t have to protect you.
- Use a verified seller. If you book through an agent, confirm the ticket on the airline’s own website.
Our cheap airline tickets guide walks through full-cost comparison step by step. If you prefer an agent, read our tips on choosing a Lagos travel agency first.
Saudi Visa Routes for Nigerian Travelers
The right visa depends on why you’re going. Pick the route first, then book your flight.
- Tourist eVisa: The official Saudi visa portal lists which nationalities qualify. Nigeria isn’t eligible on nationality alone. Some visitors with a used US, UK or Schengen visa may have another route, so check the portal for your own case.
- Umrah: Apply through Nusuk or an authorised Umrah agent. A Nusuk permit for prayer or visits is not the same thing as a visa. The HAJJ AND UMRAH MINISTRY explains this in its official FAQ.
- Hajj: Nigerian pilgrims travel through NAHCON and its approved state boards and operators.
- Work and family visits: These go through the Saudi mission or your sponsor.
One more check matters. On April 15, 2026, NAHCON published a public announcement about a temporary Saudi suspension affecting some visa categories, including tourist, work and family visit visas. We couldn’t confirm how long it lasts or what is exempt. Ask the Saudi mission or your agent whether it still applies before you pay.
Health and Document Checklist
The SAUDI MINISTRY OF HEALTH Umrah health regulations (dated August 7, 2026) list Nigeria for three requirements:
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Meningococcal (ACYW) vaccination
- Polio vaccination, under the rules in that document
Also pack:
- A passport with enough validity for your trip (check the exact rule for your visa type)
- A printed visa approval and booking confirmation
- Prescriptions for any medicines. Saudi Arabia controls some common drugs, as the US EMBASSY IN SAUDI ARABIA notes in its prescription alert.
If you carry large amounts of cash, read the ZATCA customs declaration rules. Sources we checked give different limits, so go by the current ZATCA page.
Departing From Lagos Airport
Your Jeddah flight leaves from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja. FAAN is rebuilding parts of the airport and has moved some international processing to temporary facilities. The details are in its MMIA project FAQ. Confirm your check-in hall with your airline the day before you fly.
These LagosMove guides help with the Lagos end of the trip:
- Lagos airport international terminal guide: how to confirm your terminal and check-in point
- Lagos airport transportation: taxis, ride-hailing and pickups
- Lagos airport travel guide: timing and getting around
- Airport lounge access: options before a long flight
- Sleeping at MMIA overnight: what to expect if you have an early departure
Leave home with plenty of buffer time. Ikeja traffic can easily double your drive.
Arriving in Jeddah
Most international flights land at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA). For pilgrims, the big plus is the Haramain high-speed train station, which connects to Terminal 1. The PILGRIM EXPERIENCE PROGRAM notes journeys of about 45 minutes to Makkah and about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours to Madinah. Check your arrival terminal and book train seats ahead in busy seasons.
Planning to bring Zamzam water home? Rules differ by airline. Some allow a sealed 5-litre container on certain flights, and others don’t allow it at all. Ask your airline before you pack.
When you fly home, our guide to Lagos airport immigration questions explains what happens at the arrivals desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a nonstop flight from Lagos to Jeddah?
Yes. SAUDIA runs the only regular scheduled nonstop we could confirm. It flies a few times a week, and the schedule changes by season. Check the Saudia flight schedule for your dates.
How long is the flight from Lagos to Jeddah?
Schedule listings show the nonstop at about 6 hours 45 minutes. One-stop trips usually take much longer, depending on the layover. Jeddah is 2 hours ahead of Lagos, so check your arrival time in local time.
Can Nigerians get a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Not on nationality alone. Some travelers with a used US, UK or Schengen visa may have another route. Check your case on the official Saudi visa portal, and read NAHCON’s April 2026 announcement for the suspension notice.
Do I need a transit visa for a connection?
For airside transit in Addis Ababa and Doha, usually not, according to Ethiopian Airlines and Visit Qatar. You may need one if you collect bags, change airports or leave the airport. Confirm Cairo, Dubai and Istanbul rules with your airline.
What vaccines do Nigerians need for Umrah?
The SAUDI MINISTRY OF HEALTH Umrah regulations list yellow fever, meningococcal (ACYW) and polio requirements for travelers from Nigeria. Get the vaccines early and carry your certificates.
Final Word
Start with your visa route, then compare the SAUDIA nonstop with one-stop options through Addis Ababa, Doha or Cairo. Check the full cost, confirm your Lagos check-in hall, and carry your health certificates. Flight schedules and Saudi entry rules change often, so check every detail again a week before you fly.
