DURBAN DIRECT SET TO SOAR

KwaZulu-Natal is charting an ambitious new course to position itself as a premier global destination with the launch of Durban Direct, a strategic air access initiative designed to boost tourism, trade, and the f ilm industry through enhanced connectivity at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA).

Spearheaded by the KwaZulu Natal Route Development Committee, Durban Direct is backed by a powerful alliance of government entities and industry stakeholders. The initiative aims to transform KSIA into a globally connected aviation hub, capable of catalysing economic growth and expanding the province’s international footprint. This is more than just route development, it’s a movement to reposition KwaZulu Natal as a destination of choice for global travellers, investors, and filmmakers.

The coalition driving this initiative includes the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), eThekwini Municipality, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Invest Durban, and Trade & Investment KZN, alongside key private sector partners in aviation, hospitality, and logistics.

In his 2025/2026 Budget Policy Speech, MEC for Economic infrastructure development, industry growth and the expansion of tourism. Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi, underscored the airport’s critical role in the province’s development goals. “King Shaka International Airport remains a strategic asset, and we are pursuing partnerships with global carriers, including efforts to secure a direct route from Air France, as well as exploring new routes to India and the United Kingdom,” said MEC Zondi.

To complement the international push, the initiative also supports the revitalisation of regional airports to enhance domestic connectivity. By prioritising secondary airports in Newcastle, Ladysmith, Ulundi, Mkuze, Margate, Dundee, Vryheid, Pietermaritzburg, and Richards Bay, Durban Direct aims to make KZN’s diverse regions – from the Midlands and Drakensberg to Zululand and the South Coast – more accessible. This will unlock regional tourism circuits and stimulate investment in emerging economic corridors.

According to the MEC, current plans include a new expanded airport Richards Bay in keeping with the industrial developments in the area, and repairs to the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport in Ulundi’s terminal.

Durban Direct is also aligned with the province’s broader economic agenda, which includes job creation, Of note, KwaZulu-Natal boasts more than 1,200 accommodation venues, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Big Five game reserves, adventure tourism, diverse cultural experiences and growing cinematic appeal rooted in rich Zulu history and heritage.

Drawing inspiration from case studies like New Zealand’s transformation after The Lord of the Rings, the region’s stories, from the Bhambatha Rebellion to the enduring legacy of King Shaka Zulu, are being used to create immersive cultural tourism experiences that resonate with global audiences. By developing these sites as permanent attractions, KZN aims to attract filmmakers and tourists alike, unlocking long term economic value and global interest.

With high-level coordination from the KZN Provincial Cabinet, strategic input from the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, and engagement with the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, Durban Direct exemplifies the power of public private collaboration in unlocking economic potential.

KwaZulu-Natal is ready to take off – and the world is invited aboard.