Durban aiming for direct international flights
The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in collaboration with Durban Direct are attempting to establish more direct international flights to Durban.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and Durban Direct are working to establish direct international flights to Durban.
According to Travel News, the strategy aims to enhance connectivity, tourism and trade, particularly with the 2026 opening of the Club Med resort on the North Coast.
Target Routes:
- London-Durban: Previously served by British Airways, with a 70% load factor in its first year. Durban Direct is engaging with airlines, including British Airways, to reinstate this route.
- Mumbai-Durban: Durban Direct's market research shows India represents Durban's fourth-largest international passenger market, driven by strong trade ties and a large Indian population in KZN.
- Paris-Durban: Durban Direct expects demand to grow with the opening of the Club Med resort, which will offer a unique beach and bush experience. Discussions are underway with Air France and its partners.
Some challenges include attracting direct flights, which could pose some difficulties. This is especially true for the Paris route.
In addition, the lack of alternate airports in KZN may deter airlines from increasing capacity.
The EDTEA and Durban Direct are working closely with stakeholders to grow KZN's air connectivity, with a focus on securing direct flights to key markets.
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