Saudi Arabian Airlines set to resume direct flights between Jeddah and Johannesburg

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) is set to recommence direct flights between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting on December 1, 2023.

South Africa tourism minister Patricia de Lille said they also shared research with the Saudi Air Connectivity Team to motivate a direct flight between Jeddah and Cape Town.

This comes after Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to expand its visitor e-Visa programme to travellers from eight countries, including South Africa.

“The e-Visa development is significant for South Africa as many Muslim citizens travel for religious purposes. Along with the direct flights, this will ease travel for many tourists, but especially for religious tourism and pilgrimages,” said De Lille.

The e-Visa will be a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.