DHL Launches Direct Bahrain-Johannesburg Freighter Service

September 22, 2026 in Business, Companies, Trade & Industry, Transport by Editor

DHL Express has launched a weekly Boeing 767 freighter service between Bahrain and Johannesburg, adding cargo capacity between the Middle East and Southern Africa.

 

DHL Express has added a new weekly freighter service linking Bahrain and Johannesburg, increasing air cargo capacity between the Middle East and Southern Africa as trade routes and supply chains continue to diversify.

The first direct DHL flight from Bahrain arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on September 21, marking the start of the service operated with a Boeing 767 freighter.

The new route provides additional inbound and outbound cargo capacity for South Africa and neighbouring markets through DHL’s Johannesburg hub, while connecting the region to the company’s wider Middle East and global aviation network.

DHL said the service is intended to support growing trade flows between Africa, the Gulf and international markets, particularly as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond established trade corridors.

Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said demand was increasing across sectors including healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce.

“As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing new opportunities for businesses,” Beckley said.

The Bahrain-Johannesburg connection adds to DHL’s existing aviation network through Bahrain, which links Middle Eastern markets with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati.

Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation at DHL Express MENA, said Bahrain’s location provided a link between Africa and the Middle East, while the new Johannesburg service would provide a direct connection between the two markets.

The new lane comes as companies increasingly seek alternatives to traditional supply routes and as trade relationships between African markets and Gulf economies expand.

For South Africa and neighbouring countries, the service provides additional air freight capacity through Johannesburg, with onward connections into DHL’s broader international network.