The airport, named after the famous Zulu king, opened in 2010 ahead of the FIFA World Cup and was part of a £700 million infrastructure project.
Now, plans are in place to expand its capacity and modernise its facilities, with a new terminal expected by 2026 and an upgraded runway set for 2027. Additional developments are scheduled for 2028 and 2030.
These upgrades aim to accommodate larger aircraft and improve the overall passenger experience.
Acting CEO Marco Mejia described the expansion as essential for boosting Durban’s economy and establishing the airport as a leading hub for international and domestic flights.
Durban has already seen a rise in international passenger traffic, with routes to Dubai, Gaborone, Lusaka, and Harare added recently.
Emirates Airlines offers daily flights to Dubai, connecting Durban to a vast global network.
Meanwhile, Air Botswana, Proflight Zambia, and Airlink have increased their flight frequencies to and from the city.
The airport is also home to the Dube TradePort, a logistics hub that includes cargo facilities, agricultural export zones, and space for manufacturing and property development.
The combination of passenger and freight services makes King Shaka International Airport a vital part of South Africa’s economy.
Nkosinathi Myataza, the Regional General Manager of Airports Company South Africa, said the new routes and upgrades demonstrate the airport’s commitment to providing world-class services and driving growth. “We are ready to welcome the world,” he said.
