Saudi Airlines resumes direct flights to South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South African Tourism on Monday confirmed the return of the Saudi Airlines direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting this month.

The return of the Johannesburg route will see the carrier offer four weekly flights from OR Tambo International Airport.

South Africa has been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Air Connectivity Programme, and other stakeholders to grow tourism between South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

"We have also submitted a proposal for a direct flight between Cape Town and Saudi Arabia as this will further boost our efforts to grow tourism especially cultural and religious tourism that will bring great benefits for Hajj and Umrah travellers," said Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.

Earlier this year, South Africa became the first African country to be added to Saudi Arabia's e-visa system. The system enables travellers to apply for a visa online, in a quick and easy process.

-0- PANA CU/MA 5Dec2023