Passengers flying from Durban will soon have a new way to reach Ethiopia and subsequently connect to destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. Ethiopian Airlines is commencing daily direct flights between King Shaka International Airport in Durban and Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
This new route is scheduled to launch on December 11, 2026, and the flights will operate on a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. According to BusinessTech, booking seats on this route is already open.
The new service is welcomed as a stimulus for improving international air connectivity in Durban. The Durban Direct Committee, which is responsible for attracting and creating direct air services to King Shaka International Airport, stated that this service will provide travelers from KwaZulu-Natal with direct access to Addis Ababa, eliminating the need to first fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town for an international connecting flight.
The committee comprises various government departments, airport authorities, and stakeholders from the tourism, transport, and economic development sectors. The committee's leadership is overseen by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal.
Currently, King Shaka International Airport has international links to destinations such as Mauritius, Namibia, Mozambique, London, Dubai, Zambia, Doha, and Turkey. The new service to Addis Ababa will add another international route to the airport's network.
The significance of the new route extends beyond Ethiopia
Addis Ababa serves as a major transport hub for Ethiopian Airlines, giving passengers from Durban the opportunity to make further flights to numerous destinations. According to Durban Direct, travelers will be able to utilize the hub in Addis Ababa to reach cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi, and Washington, as well as other locations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Thus, this route could make international travel more convenient for residents of Durban, who currently have to fly to another South African airport before starting a long-haul flight.
The Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal, Musa Zondi, noted that the new service will strengthen the province's ties with global markets. Zondi emphasized that 'air connectivity is a critical condition for economic growth,' adding that the route could open up opportunities for tourism, air cargo, and investment.
Co-chair of Durban Direct, Hamish Erskine, stated that improved air access remains an important factor for regional tourism growth. The new service is also expected to increase the accessibility of KwaZulu-Natal for visitors from Ethiopia and other African countries, as well as for international tourists who can benefit from the wider Ethiopian Airlines network.
For travelers from Durban, the greatest benefit may be having another major international gateway close to home, thanks to the daily direct flights to Addis Ababa starting in December.
