New Airport Proposed for South Durban to Boost Access and Tourism

The eThekwini Municipality is considering plans for a second airport in South Durban. The proposal was announced by city manager Musa Mbhele during a mayoral tourism trade stakeholder engagement held in Durban on September 4. The aim is to improve accessibility and revive tourism in the southern region.

Durban’s Airport History

• Durban International Airport, originally known as Louis Botha Airport, operated in Prospecton until May 2010.

• It was replaced by King Shaka International Airport in La Mercy, located 35 km away.

• The shift was driven by Durban International’s 2.4 km runway, which was too short for jumbo jets, compared to King Shaka’s 3.7 km runway.

What Happened to the Old Durban Airport

• Transnet bought Durban International from Airports Company South Africa in 2012 for R1.8 billion.

• In 2017, Transnet leased it to Seaworld, which planned a R200 million revival project.

• The plan collapsed after disputes over existing tenants, leading to a fallout and court case when Transnet ended the lease in 2018.

• Today, the site is used by Transnet as part of the port’s cargo terminal. By 2030, the company intends to build a dug-out port on the land.

Tourism Stakeholders Back the Proposal

Sapphire Coast Tourism’s Romy Wenzel welcomed the idea of a South Durban airport.

She noted that before 2010, travellers often used Durban International due to its proximity to Amanzimtoti and nearby areas. Since King Shaka’s opening on the opposite side of the city, the southern region has lost visibility and attention.

Wenzel said a new airport could restore convenience and boost tourism for the South Coast.

Location Still Unknown

The municipality has not yet disclosed the possible site for the proposed airport. With Transnet’s cargo expansion and dug-out port plan on the old airport land, a different location would need to be considered.

{Source: TheCitizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com