Airlines weigh Durban routes as Club Med drives Africa tourism push

Durban is preparing to welcome a surge of international travelers with the July opening of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari, a luxury resort designed to attract visitors from Europe and other key markets.

Tourism officials say the resort could reshape how airlines view Durban, offering a strong case for reinstating long-discussed direct flights. 

The city’s appeal is tied to both its coastal attractions and nearby safari destinations, making it a dual-draw for leisure travelers.

As Galelekile of the Durban Direct Marketing Sub-Committee explains, “We are building a detailed business case using booking trends, market intelligence, and demand data from Club Med.

Our goal is to show that Durban is a commercially viable destination for European travelers.” 

Beyond Europe, efforts are also focused on UK-Durban connectivity. Galelekile noted that while British Airways has been part of route discussions, airline decisions are inherently complex.

“Factors like fleet availability, network planning, and route profitability all matter. This is a long-term effort, not something that happens overnight,” she said.

Airlines proceed with caution 

Wilson Tauro, Air France-KLM’s country manager for Southern Africa, confirmed ongoing talks with Club Med and local authorities but highlighted commercial realities.

“We expect demand from France and other European countries, but the exact numbers are still uncertain,” he said. Domestic travelers will also influence route sustainability.

Currently, flights into Durban are routed via Johannesburg, supported by regional partners such as Airlink and CemAir. 

Tauro added that fleet deployment and operational efficiency shape airline decisions.

“Launching an 11-hour direct flight to Durban requires enough passengers on both international and domestic legs to keep the route viable,” he said.

High-revenue routes to the U.S. and Asia remain the priority for aircraft allocation.

Durban’s long-term tourism prospects 

Despite these hurdles, Durban Direct remains optimistic. Galelekile said collaborations with resorts like Club Med strengthen Durban’s case for international connectivity.

“We are committed to working with airlines and local partners to make Durban more accessible and support sustainable tourism growth,” she said.

With a combination of beach, safari, and cultural attractions, Durban is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.