A new weekly DHL Express freighter service is now operating between Bahrain and Johannesburg, adding direct air cargo capacity between the Gulf and South Africa.
The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg aboard a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The service will also provide additional inbound and outbound capacity to and from South Africa and neighbouring countries through DHL’s Johannesburg hub.
The new connection comes as trade flows between Africa and the Middle East develop and businesses diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors.
The Bahrain-Johannesburg service expands DHL’s Sub-Saharan Africa aviation network and adds heavier-weight capability to the route.
Johannesburg serves as a hub for DHL’s Sub-Saharan Africa network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets with international destinations through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network.
South Africa is one of DHL's Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth.
Anthony Beckley, vice president of operations and aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said demand was growing across sectors including healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce.
"Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics," Beckley said.
"While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers."
The new service also adds Johannesburg to DHL’s network through Bahrain, which connects with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati.
Richard Gale, vice president of aviation, DHL Express MENA, said the location of Bahrain made it suited to serving trade between Africa and the Middle East.
"DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati," Gale said.
"Bahrain's position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen."
DHL said it will continue investing in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity as trade patterns and economic relationships change.
