Durban is getting a major new international flight route later this year

Durban is set to become a little more connected to the rest of the world, with a major international airline adding a new direct route from King Shaka International Airport.

Ethiopian Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between Durban and Addis Ababa from 11 December 2026, with bookings now open for the new service.

The route will be operated using a Boeing 737 MAX, giving travellers in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal a direct link to Ethiopia’s capital without first travelling to another South African airport.

New daily Durban-Addis Ababa flights

The new service is being welcomed as a significant development for Durban’s international air connectivity.

Durban Direct, a committee focused on supporting the establishment of direct air services to King Shaka International Airport, said the international flight represents a landmark achievement for the city.

The committee brings together various entities and government departments involved in tourism, economic development and transport, including airport authorities. It 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 said the route was a major milestone for the province.

“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.”

He said improved air connectivity could create opportunities for tourism, air freight and investment, while Addis Ababa’s extensive aviation network would give Durban and KwaZulu-Natal greater access to international markets.

Addis Ababa opens up more destinations

For travellers, one of the biggest advantages of the new international flight will be the connections available through Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines operates an extensive international network from its Addis Ababa hub, allowing Durban passengers to connect onwards to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East as well as North America.

Major destinations accessible through the network include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington, among others.

This means passengers will be able to travel from Durban to a much wider range of international destinations without necessarily having to first make their way to Johannesburg or Cape Town for an international departure.

Durban Direct said the new route could also make the city more accessible to international visitors and business travellers.

It expects the service to help increase visitor arrivals from Ethiopia and other African countries, as well as from long-haul markets served through Ethiopian Airlines’ network.

Durban Direct Co-Chair Hamish Erskine said improved air connectivity remains an important factor in growing tourism.

“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.”