Durban gears up for global take-off with new air connectivity plans

STRATEGIC new airline routes are being planned over the next two to three years in KwaZulu-Natal - bolstering efforts to secure direct international flights to Durban and strengthen local tourism.

- MARYANNE ISAAC

In a concerted push to boost connectivity, tourism and trade, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea), together with Durban Direct - the City’s air route development committee - has unveiled an innovative plan. The initiative will gain momentum as the region prepares for the highly anticipated launch of the landmark Club Med Tinley resort on the KZN north coast in 2026.

Growing the province's air connectivity would see King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) extend its flight offerings and partnerships with global carriers to open new direct routes from London, Paris and Mumbai. These cities were chosen due to their strong tourism and trade connections, significant diaspora communities and high passenger volumes.

KSIA remains a strategic asset to the travel and tourism sectors. It was named “Best Regional Airport in Africa” for its exceptional service and amenities in the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

With significant updates to its flight network, KSIA will now include new routes from Durban to Gaborone (Botswana) for three weekly frequencies; the Durban to Lusaka (Zambia) route has been expanded to two frequencies per week; and the Durban to Harare (Zimbabwe) route now operates seven frequencies per week.

The UK and India routes show a strong demand - driven by more than 400 000 UK tourists arriving annually and Durban's one million Indian-South African residents travelling to visit family - while the France route hangs on premium travellers and Club Med Tinley’s appeal.

London to Durban