DHL Express launches weekly Bahrain-Johannesburg freighter service
The Bahrain-Johannesburg service expands DHL’s Sub-Saharan Africa aviation network and adds heavier-weight capability to the route.
SOUTH AFRICA – DHL Express has launched a weekly direct airfreight service between Bahrain and Johannesburg, adding dedicated B767 freighter capacity between the Middle East and South Africa, the company said.
The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg aboard a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The service will provide additional inbound and outbound capacity to and from South Africa and neighboring countries via DHL’s Johannesburg hub.
Trade diversification and demand
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.
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,” 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.”
Bahrain as a network gateway
The new service 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 for DHL Express MENA, said Bahrain’s location 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.”
In addition, South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its role in global trade flows and potential to drive future trade growth.
Lastly, DHL said it will continue investing in routes, aircraft capacity, and hub connectivity as trade patterns and economic relationships change.
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