Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is set to strengthen its international connectivity with the return of Ethiopian Airlines, which will launch a daily non-stop service between Durban and Addis Ababa from 11 December 2026.
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The new route will provide travellers in KwaZulu-Natal with a direct link to Ethiopia’s capital, while opening access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive international network through its Addis Ababa hub.
Daily flights to Addis Ababa
The service will operate seven days a week on a Boeing 737 MAX, with bookings already open. The route marks Ethiopian Airlines’ return to Durban after previously operating the connection before suspending it in 2017.
For local travellers, the direct service means passengers heading to Ethiopia and destinations beyond will no longer need to first travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town for an international connection.
According to eThekwini Municipality, the route will provide access to more than 130 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub.
The eThekwini Municipality also said the route will make international travel more convenient for residents and businesses in KwaZulu-Natal by reducing the need for an additional domestic flight before connecting to overseas destinations.
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Boost for tourism and business
The new service is being welcomed by local authorities and Durban Direct, the route-development initiative focused on expanding direct air services to King Shaka International Airport.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi said, “Improved air connectivity could create opportunities for tourism, air freight and investment in the province.”
The eThekwini Municipality has also highlighted the potential benefits for international visitors, businesses and exporters, saying the direct connection could strengthen Durban’s links with global markets.
For travellers in KwaZulu-Natal, the launch will provide another international departure option from King Shaka International Airport and a new gateway into Ethiopian Airlines’ wider global network.
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Featured image: X/@eThekwiniM
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