Durban Considers Building A Second Airport To Boost Tourism And Connectivity
Durban could soon join the ranks of cities with more than one airport, as eThekwini Municipality explores the idea of developing a second air hub in the south. The proposal, revealed during the Mayoral Tourism Trade Stakeholder Engagement in September, is being pitched as a potential game-changer for KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism and economic growth.
Why Durban Is Looking At A Second Airport
According to eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana, the city has seen steady growth in both local and foreign investment. With Durban’s position as a gateway to the Indian Ocean and its status as one of South Africa’s busiest ports, leaders are keen to maximise opportunities. Airports, Sisilana pointed out, often act as catalysts for economic development by opening up new routes and making regions more accessible to visitors and businesses alike.
At this stage, the plan is still in its infancy. A due diligence study will determine location, conceptual design, and whether the project will be driven by a dedicated development vehicle.
The Ghost Of Durban’s Old Airport
The possibility of a second airport inevitably raises memories of Durban International Airport, known to locals as Louis Botha Airport. For decades it was the city’s primary aviation hub until 2010, when King Shaka International Airport opened north of Durban, just ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The old airport, located closer to the South Coast, has long been the subject of redevelopment battles. In 2017, Transnet signed a lease with Seaworld Aviation, which had ambitions of turning it into a hub for smaller airlines. Within a year, the deal collapsed amid accusations of improper subleasing. Another bidder, Amabhunesi Property Holdings, claimed its own logistics hub plans were unfairly sidelined. Years of legal wrangling followed, leaving the site in limbo.
For some Durbanites, these stalled efforts remain a sore point. The idea of reopening or redeveloping the site is met with cautious optimism, but also scepticism given the history of red tape and disputes.
Local Context: More Than Just A Runway
A second airport in Durban is not only about tourism. KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, with its laid-back beaches and small-town charm, has long struggled with connectivity compared to the more commercialised North Coast. Cheaper, more direct flights could give the region a much-needed economic lift, drawing visitors who currently bypass it in favour of more accessible destinations.
Business leaders have also argued that a southern airport could ease the burden on King Shaka International while creating new opportunities for logistics, air cargo, and local trade.
What Comes Next
For now, Durban’s second airport remains an idea on paper. If the city decides to move ahead, the project would need national support, private sector buy-in, and community trust. With King Shaka still under 20 years old, questions remain: can the city sustain two airports, and will a southern hub truly unlock the growth leaders envision?
What is clear is that Durban is trying to reposition itself as more than just a port city. A second airport, if done right, could cement its place as a serious tourism and business destination in Africa.
Source: Tourism Update
Image Source: Photo by Weyland Swart on Unsplash
