KwaZulu‑Natal’s South Coast may soon see the development of a new airport, as eThekwini Municipality moves to improve regional connectivity and support tourism growth.
Ossewa/Wikimedia Commons
According to SApeople, City Manager Musa Mbhele revealed during a tourism stakeholder meeting, that preliminary planning is underway for the project. The idea is still in the feasibility stage, with officials assessing possible sites and the broader economic benefits.
Background of airports in KZN
Historically, Durban has been served first by the Durban International Airport (Louis Botha Airport) in Prospecton. That facility had to close in 2010 because its runway was too short to accommodate large aircrafts.
In its place, King Shaka International Airport was opened in La Mercy, about 35 km north of Durban, with a longer runway capable of handling larger jets.
Meanwhile, the old Durban International Airport site was sold in 2012 to Transnet. Plans to revive passenger operations at the site were explored by a company called Seaworld in 2017. However, those plans came to nothing, in part because of legal disputes over occupancy and leases.
Today, that old airport land is being used to expand Durban’s port cargo terminal. There are also plans to build a large dug‑out port on the site, expected by around 2030. That means the former Durban International airport location is unlikely to be repurposed as a new passenger airport.
What’s Next
- Site selection: No specific location has yet been confirmed for the South Coast airport; feasibility studies will determine the best spot.
- Purpose: Beyond tourism, the airport is hoped to catalyse economic development in the area, improving access for visitors and supporting businesses.
- Timeline/Phase: The project is still exploratory. There is no firm timeline yet for construction or completion.
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