Qatar Airways launches new Durban route
From mid-December, travellers in Durban will have another option when considering a trip to the Middle East.
A Qatar Airways Durban to Doha route via Johannesburg was officially announced yesterday at the World Routes Development Forum at the Durban ICC.
It adds to the number of international flights at King Shaka International Airport.
KwaZulu-Natal's Economic Development MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu says the route will improve the province's tourism and economic prospects.
''This will no doubt be a historical occasion for both our countries as we believe it will further inspire business people from the Gulf nations and the rest of the world to consider investing in our province.
''More impressively is the size of the frequency of this flight which is operated through the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft four times a week,'' he said.
Qatar Airways' Jonathan Minnett says the new flights to Durban come as the airline has recently celebrated a decade of operating in South Africa.
''We're very excited to be launching flights to Durban and appreciative of the engagements and support we have received from the community here since we announced this new route,'' he said.
The flights will commence on the 17th December.
(File photo)