Saudia Cargo, Mawani and ZATCA launch Saudi sea-to-air corridor

Saudia Cargo has launched a new sea-to-air logistics corridor in collaboration with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) to connect the Kingdom’s western seaports with airports and accelerate the movement of cargo to global markets.

The new corridor enables cargo arriving at Saudi Arabia’s western ports to be quickly transferred to air freight services, creating an integrated sea-to-air route designed to reduce transit times and ensure the continued flow of international trade. The initiative is intended to provide an alternative logistics solution during disruptions affecting maritime shipping routes and flight schedules.

Under the initiative, maritime shipments arriving at western ports will be moved under an organised transit framework to nearby airports, where they can be loaded onto aircraft for international distribution. Saudia Cargo will play a central role in operating the air bridge, providing air freight capacity and coordinating the transfer of shipments from sea to air transport.

The corridor begins at Jeddah Islamic Port on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast and links the port with King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Cargo arriving by sea can be transported directly to the airport and transferred onto aircraft operated by Saudia Cargo, allowing shipments to continue their journey to destinations across the airline’s global network.

Authorities involved in the project said the corridor is designed to maintain supply chain continuity and offer businesses faster and more flexible transport options. By combining maritime and air transport within a single logistics framework, the initiative allows cargo owners to benefit from the cost advantages of sea freight while still meeting the speed requirements of air transport.

ZATCA plays a key role in facilitating the corridor by enabling cargo to move under a unified customs and transit process. Through coordinated inspection procedures and pre-clearance systems, shipments can be transferred from port terminals to airports with fewer administrative steps, helping reduce delays and improve operational efficiency.

The collaboration between Saudia Cargo, Mawani and ZATCA forms part of wider efforts to strengthen connectivity between Saudi Arabia’s ports and airports. The initiative aims to integrate different modes of transport and improve logistics efficiency across the Kingdom.

Officials said the sea-to-air corridor supports Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of strengthening its position as a global logistics hub by leveraging its geographic location at the crossroads of major international trade routes.