KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is pushing ahead with plans to secure direct international flights into Durban, targeting key tourism and business destinations in Europe and Asia as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and economic growth.
The announcement was first made by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi during his 2025/2026 budget speech, in which he listed securing direct international flights to Durban as one of the province’s key priorities.
For years, Durban has been recognised for its warm climate, golden beaches, cultural diversity, and dynamic business environment. However, the lack of direct international flights has often been cited as a barrier to the city’s full economic and tourism potential.
Currently, many international travellers visiting Durban are required to connect through Johannesburg or Cape Town. The introduction of direct flights is set to eliminate this inconvenience, offering a more efficient and attractive route for global visitors and investors.
“Durban Direct is working closely with international airlines to establish new air routes that will better serve the demand in the KwaZulu-Natal market. A crucial aspect of our route development initiatives is ensuring the sustainability of airline operations for the routes servicing KwaZulu-Natal. As a result of this approach, we have seen success, with airlines gradually increasing their flight frequencies into Durban,” said KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs spokesperson, Sinenhlanhla Mthembu.
Mthembu added that last year, passenger traffic at King Shaka International Airport reached the five million milestone, indicating a strong recovery for the travel market.
“This increased visitor flow strengthens the tourism economy, supports the growth of related industries such as hospitality, transport, and entertainment, and creates much-needed job opportunities across the entire tourism value chain from tour operators and accommodation providers to local artisans and service staff,” she said.
KwaZulu-Natal’s economy has traditionally leaned heavily on tourism, a sector that was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although the province has made a strong recovery in recent years, many believe that improved air access is essential to sustaining long-term growth.
“Air services remain a vital driver of KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism growth, providing the seamless connectivity that makes the province easily accessible to domestic and international visitors. Direct and frequent flights not only enhance the travel experience for tourists but also stimulate demand for KwaZulu-Natal as a destination,” said Thulisile Galelekile, Chairperson of the Durban Direct Marketing Sub-committee.
Galelekile also explained that KZN’s lack of alternate airports, such as Johannesburg’s Lanseria Airport and Cape Town’s Winelands Airport, deters airlines from boosting capacity.
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs’ plans include establishing direct connections with key markets such as France, the United Kingdom, and India, as part of a broader strategy to boost regional tourism and drive economic growth.
Paris–Durban:
Durban Direct has long targeted a direct link to Western Europe, with France and Germany as strong tourism markets for KwaZulu-Natal after the UK. The development of the R2 billion Club Med resort opening on KZN’s north coast in June 2026 is expected to transform inbound tourism from these markets; therefore, a direct flight connecting Durban and Paris will be beneficial in driving that growth. Discussions with airline operators to launch this route are ongoing.
Mumbai–Durban:
India is Durban’s fourth-largest international market, supported by strong cultural ties, trade links, and KZN’s large Indian community. Durban Direct is in talks with a number of airlines to launch direct air services between the two cities. Driven by growth in the automotive sector (e.g., Mahindra SA) and demand from seafarers travelling through the Port of Durban.
The cities chosen were prioritized for their strong and established tourism and trade ties, as well as their substantial passenger traffic.
“The Durban-London route is among Africa’s top 10 underserved airline routes. Previously operated by British Airways and launched in 2018 with Durban Direct’s support, it reached a 70% load factor in its first year and boosted international traffic at King Shaka International Airport by 11%. Talks are underway with airlines, including British Airways, to reinstate this route,” Galelekile said.
Beyond tourism, the new air routes are expected to strengthen Durban’s position as a logistics and trade hub.
Durban already hosts Africa’s busiest port and is strategically located to serve markets across southern Africa. The Department said improved air links will complement maritime and rail infrastructure, creating a seamless network for the movement of goods and people.
