The province of KZN, home to the coastal city of Durban, is hoping to secure more direct international flights.
The province, which is indeed home to a number of key events, including Africa’s Travel Indaba and sporting events such as the Comrades Marathon and the Dusi Canoe Marathon, would like to see more direct international flights coming into Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
Improved flight direct connectivity generally translates to increased passengers and tourist flows, which benefits the economy.
The province of KZN recorded 620,000 international visitors and R2 billion in tourism revenue in 2024.
This figure attests to tourism’s role as a strategic driver for development in the province.
OBSTACLES TO TOURISM GROWTH
However, the province does need to improve service delivery if it wishes to handle more visitors.
Deteriorating infrastructure, declining safety and environmental health issues plague KZN and thus impact its desirability as a destination.
SECURING DIRECT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO KZN PROVINCE
KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs has announced plans to secure direct international flights to Durban as part of a strategy to enhance regional tourism and economic growth.
MEC Reverend Musa Zondi stated that the province was working to establish direct flight connections with various international markets during his 2025–2026 budget presentation.
These include France, the United Kingdom and India.
FLYING INTO KZN PROVINCE
King Shaka International Airport is the province’s main airport hub and the primary gateway to KZN.
However, there are several other smaller airports and airfields around the province. These include Margate, Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay.
There are a handful of international flights into Durban – from Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
British Airways previously flew between London and Durban but suspended the route in 2020.
ALSO READ: Africa’s Travel Indaba Advisory Committee prepares for 2025 event
