Durban will receive daily direct air connectivity with Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa, operating from King Shaka International Airport. The launch of the new daily route between Durban and Addis Ababa is scheduled for December.
The new route, starting on December 11, will provide a direct link to Ethiopian Airlines' main hub in Ethiopia, opening access to over 130 destinations across Africa and international markets. The flight will operate daily on a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and bookings are already open.
For passengers traveling between KwaZulu-Natal and destinations in East Africa, this new route eliminates the need for an additional domestic connection through Johannesburg or Cape Town. Via Addis Ababa, travelers can continue to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, including cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi, and Washington.
The Municipality of eThekwini welcomed this change, calling the new route an important step for the development of Durban's tourism and business sectors. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Shaba stated that strengthening direct international links can promote foreign investment, support tourism, and increase the city's accessibility for international business travelers and exporters.
Cyril Shaba emphasized: 'The restoration and expansion of direct global air routes are crucial for stimulating foreign direct investment, expanding local tourism, and positioning Durban as an accessible commercial capital.'
City Manager Musa Mbhele noted that the daily service will also support the region's trade aspirations by improving access to global markets and strengthening passenger and cargo links through King Shaka International Airport. The municipality reported that this route is the result of continuous efforts to expand direct international access in eThekwini and may contribute to an increase in arriving visitors and trade relations.
The launch also provides travelers from KwaZulu-Natal with a new gateway into the broader Ethiopian Airlines international network, where Addis Ababa serves as a connection point for further travel outside of Africa. The first flight is set for December 11, marking the establishment of a new direct link between Durban and one of Africa's largest aviation hubs.