Saudi Arabian Airlines has announced the resumption of direct flights between Jeddah (JED) and Johannesburg (JNB), effective Friday, 1 December 2023, marking a significant development in travel relations between Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
Direct flights between JED and JNB return: Here’s what you must know
The airline’s decision comes after an official visit to Saudi Arabia by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. The visit aimed to enhance tourism relations between the two nations.
De Lille expressed her pleasure over the development, emphasising its benefits for both leisure and Umrah travellers.
New multi-entry eVisa for South African travellers
Saudi Arabia has also introduced a multi-entry eVisa for South Africans, making it the first African country to qualify for this privilege.
The eVisa costs 535 Saudi riyals (approximately R2 671) and covers medical insurance. It allows travellers to stay up to 90 days in the Kingdom.
On the flip side, Saudi nationals do not require a visa to enter South Africa for up to 90 days, as they are part of the visa-exempt countries list.
Saudi Arabian Airlines South Africa flight schedule
Between Friday, 1 December 2023, and Wednesday, 31 January 2023, Saudi Arabian Airlines will operate four weekly flights between Jeddah and Johannesburg.
The airline will deploy its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft for these routes.
Flight Schedule:
- Flight SV449 will depart from Jeddah at 01:20 and is scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg at 07:35 every Tuesday and Friday.
- Flight SV447 is set to leave Jeddah at 01:50 and will land in Johannesburg at 20:05 on Saturdays and Mondays.
- Flight SV448 will take off from Johannesburg at 08:50 and arrive in Jeddah at 16:45 on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Flight SV446 is scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 21:40 and reach Jeddah at 05:35 the following day on Saturdays and Mondays.