In short:
Australia’s first direct trade corridor with Saudi Arabia has officially launched at Avalon Airport following the arrival of the inaugural Saudia Cargo service. The new freight link aims to strengthen trade between the two countries as businesses navigate ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
History Lands at Avalon
Australia’s first direct trade corridor with Saudi Arabia has been established at Avalon Airport.
On the morning of 25 July, the first scheduled Saudia Cargo service touched down before jetting back to the Middle East later that day.
According to figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia recorded A$4.53 billion in two-way trade with Saudi Arabia in 2025, including approximately A$3.0 billion in exports and A$1.53 billion in imports.
That ranked Saudi Arabia as Australia’s 27th largest trading partner in 2025, with Australian exports including products such as meat, cereals and dairy, while imports from Saudi Arabia included petroleum and chemical products.
Another Freight Corridor to Middle East
The arrangement comes at a time when the Iran war is causing increased transit times, rising freight costs and disruptions to shipping arriving in or passing through the Middle East.
President of the Australian Saudi Business Council Sam Jamsheedi said the inaugural flight is about “more than the arrival of an aircraft.”
“It represents a stronger trade corridor, greater opportunities for Australian exporters, increased investment, and a new chapter in the economic partnership between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Mr Jamsheedi said.
“Today, we didn’t just welcome a cargo flight, we opened the door to the future of Australia–Saudi Arabia trade.”
On 9 June 2026, the Australian Saudi Business Council signed a memorandum of understanding with Avalon to establish the Australian-Saudi Logistics Alliance (ASL).
Growing Bilateral Trade Relationship
“The Australia-Saudi Logistics Alliance was established by our Council as a strategic initiative to respond to the significant challenges facing Australian exporters and importers,” Mr Jamsheedi said.
“Rising freight costs, limited cargo capacity, and ongoing global supply chain disruptions were placing increasing pressure on Australian businesses and limiting opportunities for growth.”
Last week, Avalon signed another MoU with dnata, a cargo and logistics company owned by the Emirates Group.
This latest milestone builds on Avalon’s recent rebranding and expansion, including the opening of its international freight facility, which can process up to 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, and the return of Jetstar international services.
