Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, has announced the launch date for its direct flights connecting Saudi Arabia and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Direct flights from Johannesburg to Saudi Arabia: Here’s everything you must know
The airline’s expansion plans were initially unveiled in March 2023 through the Saudi Air Connectivity Programme (ACP), a collaborative effort involving the Saudi Tourism Authority and Saudia.
This program aimed to establish air routes to several new global destinations, including Johannesburg, Kano (Nigeria), Birmingham (UK), and Beijing (China).
While the initial announcement lacked specific launch dates, Saudia has now confirmed that direct flights between Johannesburg and Saudi Arabia will commence on 1 December 2023.
The route will operate from 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024, offering four weekly flights utilising Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The flight schedule for the Jeddah to Johannesburg route has been outlined as follows:
- Flight SV449: Departs from Jeddah at 01:20 and arrives in Johannesburg at 07:35 on Tuesday and Friday.
- Flight SV447: Leaves Jeddah at 13:50 and arrives in Johannesburg at 20:05 on Saturday and Monday.
On the return journey from Johannesburg to Jeddah:
- Flight SV448: Departs Johannesburg at 08:50 and arrives in Jeddah at 16:45 on Tuesday and Friday.
- Flight SV446: Leaves Johannesburg at 21:40 and arrives in Jeddah at 05:35 on Saturday and Monday.
The introduction of these direct flights between Saudi Arabia and South Africa is expected to enhance travel convenience for passengers seeking a more efficient and direct air link between the two countries.