DHL Invests In Greater Middle East-Africa Connectivity With New Aviation Lane.
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✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
DHL Express launches a new weekly B767/F direct flight between Bahrain and Johannesburg, boosting trade and logistics connectivity between Africa and the Gulf. DHL Express has launched a new weekly direct aviation lane connecting Bahrain and Johannesburg, South Africa, operated by a dedicated B767/F freighter. The inaugural flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport, significantly strengthening Sub-Saharan Africa's connectivity with the Gulf and expanding heavier-weight cargo capacity for growing trade sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.Executives Anthony Beckley (VP of Operations and Aviation, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa) and Richard Gale (VP of Aviation, DHL Express MENA) noted that the strategic investment mirrors shifting global supply chains as companies diversify sourcing and manufacturing. By leveraging Bahrain as a primary regional gateway linked to major global hubs like Hong Kong, Leipzig, and Cincinnati, the new route aims to facilitate faster, more resilient cross-border trade between Africa and the Middle East.
New weekly B767/F Bahrain-Johannesburg service strengthens Sub-Saharan Africa connectivity and supports growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and global markets.
DHL Express has marked an important milestone in its regional aviation network with the successful operation of the 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 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.
As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. 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.
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 makes it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.
“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.
“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.”
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. Johannesburg 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 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.”
DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities created by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.
