There are plans afoot to strengthen efforts to establish direct international flights to Durban.
The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs EDTEA and Durban's air route development committee, Durban Direct, say they have a strategy to enhance connectivity, tourism and trade, especially in anticipation of the 2026 opening of the important Club Med resort on the North Coast, reveals Durban Direct.
During the EDTEA budget breakdown in late April, MEC Musa Zondi revealed that the 2025/26 budget would prioritise tourism development. As part of the tourism strategy, the department aims to secure direct flights to Durban from the UK, India and France.
We are working closely with relevant stakeholders to grow KZNs air connectivity.King Shaka International Airportremains a strategic asset, and we are pursuing partnerships with global carriers, said Zondi.
Thulisile Galelekile , Durban Direct Marketing Sub-Committee Chair, told Travel News that the committee had strategised this part of the MECs tourism development strategy, and it is actively engaging with international airlines to open new direct routes from London, Paris and Mumbai.