DHL has introduced a new weekly B767F service between Bahrain and Johannesburg, strengthening connectivity between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
The service will support trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets.
New DHL Service between Africa and Middle East
The launch has marked an important milestone in DHL’s regional aviation network with the successful operation of the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.
The flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opens new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter.
Trade Flows
Furthermore, the route reinforces DHL’s continued investment in strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability, improving flexibility and supporting growing trade flows between the Middle East and Africa.
The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.
Dedicated South Africa Service
As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks.
“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.” He said.
The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighbouring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.
“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,” said Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa is in fact one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role in global trade flows and its potential to drive future trade growth.
And Johannesburg indeed remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network.
Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity, DHL is thus supporting customers across this dynamic lane.
“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,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.
“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.” He said.
DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns as well as expanding economic relationships.
