Durban gets direct Addis Ababa flights

Durban is set to gain a direct link to Ethiopia when Ethiopian Airlines launches daily non-stop flights between King Shaka International Airport and Addis Ababa in December.

The new service will begin on December 11, 2026, using a Boeing 737 Max, with bookings now open.

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The route is expected to strengthen Durban’s international connectivity and give travellers direct access to Addis Ababa, one of Africa’s major aviation hubs.

Durban Direct, a committee supporting airlines in establishing direct air services to King Shaka International Airport, said the new route would connect Durban to a wider network across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

The committee comprises various entities and government departments involved in tourism, economic development and transportation, including airport authorities, and is led by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi described the new route as a major milestone for the province.

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“The launch of the Durban-Addis Ababa route marks a major milestone for KwaZulu-Natal and reinforces our position as a key gateway into Africa,” said Zondi.

Air connectivity is a critical enabler of economic growth, and this new service creates significant opportunities for tourism, air freight, and investment.

Zondi said Addis Ababa’s extensive route network would improve Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s access to global markets.

“This development demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration between public and private sector partners in advancing KwaZulu-Natal’s growth agenda.”

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Through Addis Ababa, passengers travelling from Durban will have access to destinations across Africa and major international cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington.

Durban Direct co-chair Hamish Erskine said the new service was the result of continued efforts to improve air access to the region.

“The introduction of the Durban-Addis Ababa service reflects the continued success of Durban Direct’s route development strategy and collaborative efforts with aviation, tourism and government stakeholders to improve air access to the region,” said Erskine.

Erskine said improved air connectivity remained one of the most important drivers of tourism growth.

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The new route is also expected to increase visitor arrivals from Ethiopia and other African countries, as well as long-haul international markets served through Ethiopian Airlines’ network.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba described the airline’s decision as a major vote of confidence in the city’s economic trajectory and international standing.

We warmly welcome this decision by Ethiopian Airlines. Restoring and expanding direct global air links are essential for driving foreign direct investment, expanding local tourism, and positioning Durban as an accessible commercial capital.

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“Where travellers previously faced additional transit times through secondary domestic hubs, this direct service offers immediate, hassle-free access for international business delegates, tourists, and local exporters seeking global market reach,” said Xaba