Plans are underway to enhance efforts in establishing direct international flights to Durban.
As reported by Travel News, the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, together with air route development committee, Durban Direct, have expressed this as a strategy to enhance connectivity and trade.
King Shaka International Airport (Picture: Sourced)
This is especially in anticipation of the opening of the important Club Med Resort on the North Coast.
Late last month, MEC Musa Zondi shared that the 2025/26 budget was set to prioritize tourism development.
As part of its tourism strategy, the department intends to establish direct flights to Durban from the UK, India and France.
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Zondi expressed that they are pursuing partnerships with global carriers, and that King Shaka International Airport remains a strategic asset.
Speaking to Travel News, Thulisile Galelekile, Durban Direct Marketing Sub-Committee Chair, explained that the committee is actively engaging with international airlines to open new direct routes from London, Paris and Mumbai.
The cities chosen were prioritized for their strong tourism and trade connections, high passenger volumes, as well as significant diaspora communities.
The London-Durban route was previously served by British Airways. Launched in 2018, it led to an increase in international passenger traffic at King Shaka International Airport.
Engagements with a number of airlines are currently underway to reinstate the high-performing route.
Additionally, the Mumbai-Durban route is anticipated to result in huge success as Durban Direct market research shows that India represents Durban’s fourth-largest international passenger market. Seafarers journeying through the port of Durban, who change shifts regularly, also fly to numerous destinations in the East from Durban.
With France and Germany being traditionally strong source markets for KZN’s international inbound tourism, a Paris-Durban direct route also makes sense.
Currently, Durban Direct is said to be in talks with Air France and its partners to establish this direct route, although Air France and KLM have expressed no plans for direct flights to Durban as yet.
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