• New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service set to increase DHL’s Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and support trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets.
• First flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
• Shifting global supply chains have created patterns in which companies have sought to diversify their sourcing, manufacturing, and customer markets beyond established trade corridors.

DHL Express has marked an important milestone in ambitions to expand its its regional aviation network with the successful operation of its first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa.

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter.

The route forms part of DHL’s investment in strengthening its Sub-Saharan Africa network connectivity, expanding heavier-weight capability.

The investment reflect shifting global supply chains, as companies have been diversifying their sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors.

DHL have highlighted Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia as a motivator for the new lane, giving its customers additional options to enter international markets.

Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa said, “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.”

“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.”

Johannesburg is a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighbouring markets to DHL’s global network, and now also through Bahrain.

Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA, said, “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.”

“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.”

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