Saudia Cargo flight opens Australia gateway

The inaugural Saudia Cargo flight is scheduled to arrive at Avalon Airport, Melbourne, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, marking the launch of the first direct air cargo link between Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Operated by a Saudia Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter, the new dedicated service addresses a long-standing capacity constraint for Australian exporters, who have traditionally relied on limited belly-hold space on passenger flights to the Middle East. The direct connection is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and improve supply chain reliability.

Sam Jamsheedi, president of the Australia Saudi Business Council (ASBC), said, “A new era of trade, connectivity and partnership between two nations committed to building their future together has arrived.”

The route will support the export of high-value Australian products, including premium food and agricultural goods, meat, seafood, dairy, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing products, mining equipment, technology, and other time-sensitive shipments to the Saudi market.

According to Jamsheedi, the new direct cargo service is expected to strengthen Australia's trade relationship with Saudi Arabia by providing exporters with a faster, more reliable, and competitive route into one of the Middle East's fastest-growing markets. It will also position Australia to expand exports across key sectors, including agriculture, premium food, mining, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and innovation.

The air cargo link is expected to serve as a strategic gateway to the wider Middle East, Africa, and Europe, opening new commercial opportunities for Australian businesses while marking a significant step forward in bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Jamsheedi said the new cargo route reflects the strong relationship between Australia and Saudi Arabia, noting that the two G20 economies share growing trade and investment interests. He added that Saudi businesses are increasingly looking to support Australian manufacturing and innovation.

He described the launch of the direct service as more than the start of a new flight, saying it opens a new chapter in bilateral trade by creating fresh opportunities for Australian exporters and strengthening long-term economic ties between the two countries.

Australia's air cargo sector is developing as Western Sydney International welcomed its first cargo flight and Avalon Cargo Melbourne partnered with dnata on future freight operations.