King Shaka offers fewer choices for passengers flying internationally

There was a slow but steady growth in the number of international airlines operating direct flights to Durban’s King Shaka airport over the last ten years. Prior to South Africa’s border closures, there were seven international airlines operating flights between Durban and destinations outside of South Africa.

SEVEN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES OPERATED DIRECT FLIGHTS TO DURBAN

Since Emirates Airlines began offering direct flights between Dubai and Durban, in October 2009, there was an increase in the number of international airlines that started flying directly to Durban.

The airlines which operated direct flights to and from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and international destinations included Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Air Namibia, Air Mauritius, Proflight Zambia and Turkish Airlines.  

FEWER DIRECT INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES WILL OPERATE IN THE FUTURE

Three out of the seven international airlines flying into Durban have committed to resuming flights to the city. The other four appear unlikely to resume flights to Durban’s King Shaka Airport.

Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways have already resumed flights to Durban. Turkish Airlines will start a twice-weekly service out of Durban on 25 October.  

Proflight Zambia, which offered direct flights between Durban and Lusaka, has terminated the route while Air Namibia and Air Mauritius are unlikely to return to Durban due to economic woes at both airlines.

British Airways previously operated flights between Durban and London. The airline has reduced its network and retired many of its long-haul aircraft. Durban has also been removed from British Airways’ route network until 31 March 2021.

FEWER CHOICES WHEN FLYING INTERNATIONALLY OUT OF DURBAN

International travel was becoming cheaper and more convenient for passengers in Durban, who no longer needed to take an extra flight to Johannesburg, to catch their international flight.

Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines will still operate flights between Durban and the hubs in their countries. Passengers can then connect onto flights taking them to other worldwide destinations.

Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways will both operate four weekly flights to Durban. Turkish Airlines will operate two flights per week.

A SETBACK FOR KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Keith Green of Durban Direct, an organisation responsible for delivering new and growing existing air connectivity for Durban’s King Shaka International Airport says that the airport is back to where it was in 2010, regarding the number of airlines and the routes it now offers. This means less choice for Durban passengers.