Ethiopian Airlines is opening a new international gateway for Durban, launching daily direct flights to Addis Ababa from December and giving KwaZulu-Natal access to a wider network spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

The service, starting Dec. 11, 2026, will operate with a Boeing 737 Max, taking the number of international routes from King Shaka International Airport to eight. For Durban, the expansion could also reduce reliance on Johannesburg and Cape Town for passengers connecting to major overseas markets.

The Addis Ababa route puts the Ethiopian capital’s major aviation hub within direct reach of Durban while opening onward connections to destinations including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington.

For KwaZulu-Natal, the new link is being positioned as more than a passenger service, with tourism, air freight and investment among the economic opportunities expected to benefit from stronger international connectivity.

Durban adds another international gateway

The new service will take Durban’s international flight network to eight routes from King Shaka International Airport. The airport currently has international links to Namibia, Mozambique, London, Dubai, Zambia, Doha and Turkey.

The direct Addis Ababa connection could also reduce the need for passengers in Durban and surrounding cities to travel to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport to access major international destinations.

Through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub, Durban travellers will be able to connect with cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington, alongside destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi said the route would create opportunities for tourism, air freight and investment, while strengthening the province’s access to global markets.

He said the development also highlights the role of collaboration between government and private-sector partners in expanding KwaZulu-Natal’s economy.

Route expected to support tourism growth

The service is being supported by Durban Direct, a committee focused on attracting direct airline services to King Shaka International Airport. It brings together government departments, airport authorities and other tourism, economic development and transport stakeholders and is led by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

Durban Direct Co-Chair Hamish Erskine said the new service reflects the committee’s route-development strategy and could increase visitor arrivals from Ethiopia, other African markets and long-haul destinations connected through Ethiopian Airlines’ network.

The group said improved air access should make Durban more convenient for international visitors and business travellers while giving local companies and residents greater flexibility when travelling abroad.