King Shaka International Airport

File:KSIA-terminal-Aug09.jpg

King Shaka International Airport was conceptualized when the limitations of Durban International Airport became apparent. The airport's {{convert|2400|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} runway was too short to allow large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 to operate intercontinental routes out of Durban, and the resulting decrease in international air traffic caused Durban to become marginalized compared to Johannesburg and Cape Town.{{cite news|title='Durban will never be the same again'|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=594&art_id=vn20070824080446435C491175|publisher=IOL|first=Tony|last=Carnie|author2=Arde|date=24 August 2007|access-date=15 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016110744/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=594&art_id=vn20070824080446435C491175|archive-date=16 October 2008|url-status=live}} Upgrading Durban International Airport was considered, but a study published in 2007 found that the existing airport would still have serious constraints and would reach its maximum potential by 2025, after which there would be no choice but to develop KSIA.{{cite journal|author=Institute of Natural Resources |title=Chapter 18 – Alternative: Upgrading & Expanding Durban International Airport |url=http://eia.dubetradeport.co.za/Documents/Documents/2007June20/Chapter%2018%20-%20EIR%20Alternative_%20Upgrading%20&%20expanding%20DIA.pdf |journal=Environmental Impact Assessment Report |publisher=Dube TradePort Environmental Impact Assessment Information Center |date=August 2007 |access-date=9 December 2008 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} It was also found that it would be 95% more expensive to operate Durban International Airport to its full potential and only then develop KSIA, than it would be to develop KSIA immediately. However, disputes between Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Dube Trade port firm (which is backed by the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial government) stalled the project until national transport minister Jeff Radebe intervened to jump-start the project in 2004.{{cite news|title = Decisive Radebe ends impasse over R1.6bn Dube Tradeport|url = http://www.l2b.co.za/News/News/DisplayArticle?ID=53672409-b0d8-4961-b7cd-7209d4f8cc0e|publisher = Leads 2 Business|access-date = 11 July 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231238/http://www.l2b.co.za/News/News/DisplayArticle?ID=53672409-b0d8-4961-b7cd-7209d4f8cc0e|archive-date = 14 July 2014|url-status = live}}

The project was then hit by a tender war between the Illembe consortium (led by Group Five and Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon) and the Indiza consortium (led by Grinaker-LTA). Both consortiums pre-qualified for the tender in April 2006; however, the tender was awarded to the Illembe consortium, with the Indiza consortium not being considered for failing to meet certain tender requirements.{{cite news|title=King Shaka airport tender case postponed|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=100746|publisher=Engineering News|first=Matthew|last=Hill|date=20 January 2007|access-date=15 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016173702/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=100746|archive-date=16 October 2008|url-status=live}} The Indiza group appealed the decision, claiming that the correct tender process had not been followed and that their bid had been unfairly excluded;{{cite news|title=Grinaker-LTA to argue its case on La Mercy tender|url=http://www.l2b.co.za/News/News/DisplayArticle?ID=f84d33f6-e134-4c74-8131-cc009e2df240|publisher=Leads 2 Business|access-date=11 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225341/http://www.l2b.co.za/News/News/DisplayArticle?ID=f84d33f6-e134-4c74-8131-cc009e2df240|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=live}} However, their legal challenge was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in February 2007.{{cite news|title=Court dismisses Grinaker-LTA appeal over King Shaka airport|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/court-dismisses-grinakerlta-appeal-over-king-shaka-airport-2007-02-23|publisher=Engineering News|date=23 February 2007|access-date=11 July 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140711194402/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/court-dismisses-grinakerlta-appeal-over-king-shaka-airport-2007-02-23|archive-date=11 July 2014|url-status=live}}

The final obstacle was a delay in the approval of the project's environmental impact assessment (EIA) by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The EIA was eventually approved in August 2007; conditions attached were the appointment of an environmental control officer, issues of access from the nearby N2 motorway, and fauna and flora issues; in particular, the impact of construction and airport operations on a nearby colony of barn swallows.{{cite news|title = King Shaka airport gets a nod|url = http://travel.iafrica.com/bulletinboard/462125.htm|access-date = 24 August 2007|publisher = iafrica.com|last = Sapa|date = 23 August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070826191405/http://travel.iafrica.com/bulletinboard/462125.htm|archive-date = 26 August 2007|url-status = dead|df = dmy-all}}

Construction of the airport commenced on 24 August 2007, immediately after the approval of the EIA.{{cite news|title=Construction takes off at new Durban airport, despite legal challenge|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=116880|access-date=15 October 2008|publisher=Engineering News|first=Matthew|last=Hill|date=14 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016173719/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=116880|archive-date=16 October 2008|url-status=live}} Construction progressed steadily throughout the next two years, with operational testing of the airport beginning in December 2009.{{cite news|title=New airport begins operational testing|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20091210041027155C891948|access-date=24 January 2010|publisher=IOL|first=Suren|last=Naidoo|date=10 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610004717/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20091210041027155C891948|archive-date=10 June 2010|url-status=live}} The airport handled its first commercial flights on 1 May 2010.{{cite news |title= First flights leave King Shaka airport |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=nw20100501132413597C619659 |date=1 May 2010|work=Independent Online |publisher=Independent News & Media |access-date=1 May 2010}} Despite the high construction costs, the airport was designed without a viewing deck or travellators.{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/travel/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/improvements-planned-for-king-shaka-1043124|title=Improvements planned for King Shaka {{!}} IOL Travel|access-date=2018-06-28|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629021759/https://www.iol.co.za/travel/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/improvements-planned-for-king-shaka-1043124|archive-date=29 June 2018|url-status=live}}

It was unclear what the fate of the existing Durban International Airport would be now that the KSIA was complete. It was originally expected that the airport would be decommissioned and the site (in a prime industrial area) would be redeveloped, possibly as a dug-out port serving nearby automotive assembly and component factories; however, such plans have been put on hold.{{cite news|title = Toyota eyes Durban airport for growth plan|url = http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/economy.aspx?ID=BD4A383859|publisher=Business Day|first=Edward|last=West|date=13 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005300/http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/economy.aspx?ID=BD4A383859|archive-date=27 September 2007}} The Durban International Airport eventually became defunct.

British Airways inaugurated a direct link to London's Heathrow Airport in October 2018.{{cite web |date=30 October 2018 |title=British Airways opens three new connections from London Heathrow |url=https://www.anna.aero/2018/10/30/british-airways-opens-three-new-connections-from-london-heathrow/ |work=Anna.aero |accessdate=9 December 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812213050/https://www.anna.aero/2018/10/30/british-airways-opens-three-new-connections-from-london-heathrow/ |archivedate=2020-08-12}} It said in December 2020 that it had suspended the service because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news | url=https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/why-british-airways-suspended-its-london-to-durban-flights-9768e935-dfdb-42b1-9b48-f291b151d42a | title=Why British Airways suspended its London-to-Durban flights | work=The Mercury | date=2020-12-22 | accessdate=23 July 2023 | author=Comins, Lyse}}

Despite wide expectations that the airport would be named "King Shaka International Airport" (Shaka was the leader of the Zulu nation in the early 19th century), it emerged in October 2009 that the airport needed to undergo a formal naming process.{{cite news|title=Wanted: a snappy name for new airport|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/wanted-a-snappy-name-for-new-airport-1.461451|publisher=IOL|date=14 October 2009|first=Barbara|last=Cole|access-date=11 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153718/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/wanted-a-snappy-name-for-new-airport-1.461451|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=live}} The former premier of KZN, S'bu Ndebele, described the naming process as urgent, stating that "pilots cannot fly to a place with no name". Public hearings on the naming of the airport began at the beginning of November 2009, with most attendees favoring "King Shaka International Airport" as the new airport's name.{{cite news |title = New airport named King Shaka International |url = http://oldsanews.gcis.gov.za/news/10/10020213151001 |publisher = SAnews |date = 2 February 2010 |access-date = 11 July 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140522160955/http://oldsanews.gcis.gov.za/news/10/10020213151001 |archive-date = 22 May 2014 |url-status = dead }}

On 8 December 2009, it was reported that "King Shaka International Airport" was indeed the most popular name for the new airport.{{cite news|title=New airport name waits on cabinet's approval|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/new-airport-name-waits-on-cabinet-s-approval-1.467090|publisher=IOL|date=8 December 2009|first=Barbara|last=Cole|access-date=11 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154114/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/new-airport-name-waits-on-cabinet-s-approval-1.467090|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=live}} The airport name was approved by the South African Geographical Names Council on 14 January 2010,{{cite news|title=New KZN airport named|url=http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/a975f64206d84806a4cefb3a93881d0f/14-01-2010-10-12/New_KZN_airport_named|work=News24|date=14 January 2010|access-date=15 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117000844/http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/a975f64206d84806a4cefb3a93881d0f/14-01-2010-10-12/New_KZN_airport_named|archive-date=17 January 2010|url-status=live}} and became official on 2 February 2010 when the Minister of Arts and Culture gave final approval to the name.

KSIA is currently building two new heavy-class remote gates, which will be named Foxtrot Aprons. Taxiway Bravo is also being extended and will connect to the runway north of the Taxiway Hotel.{{Cite web|url=http://threepoint.co.za/upgrades-to-king-shaka-airport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705122201/http://threepoint.co.za/upgrades-to-king-shaka-airport/ |archive-date=5 July 2019 |title=Upgrades to King Shaka Airport}}

As of March 2010, information on future development at KSIA is scarce and conflicting. Long-term master plans published on the Dube Trade Port website show projected phases of development in the future.{{cite web |author=Dube Tradeport |title=Proposed Master Plan of the Dube Tradeport |url=http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/sitePlan.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003235723/http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/sitePlan.asp |archive-date=3 October 2011 |access-date=12 March 2010 |df=dmy-all}} However, images of future development posted on an internet forum indicate five phases of development, with each phase to be developed based on annual passenger volumes reaching certain levels.{{citation needed|date=December 2015}} Both sources of information agree that the airport would have two parallel runways, with the passenger terminal building having an estimated capacity of 45 million passengers per year in the future.

The airport is located in La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, approximately {{convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Durban. The airport precinct is bordered by the M43 road to the north, the Mdloti River to the south, the R102 road to the west, and the N2 freeway to the east.

Neighboring communities are Cotton lands and the LIV village at Hazelmere Dam Wall to the west, oThongathi to the northwest, Verulam to the southwest, and eMdloti to the southeast. Notable communities further away are uMhlanga to the south and Ballito to the north. These communities are generally opposed to the airport because of noise concerns,{{cite news|title=Concern grows about King Shaka Airport|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20060829124815903C891977|publisher=IOL|first=Heinz|last=de Boer|date=29 August 2006|access-date=24 October 2008}} recommendations for mitigation of which were made in the project's Environmental Impact Report.{{cite web|title=Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report|url=http://www.sahra.org.za/sites/default/files/additionaldocs/504597_DTP%20TradeZone%202_DEIR.pdf|publisher=Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd|date=December 2013|access-date=11 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145528/http://www.sahra.org.za/sites/default/files/additionaldocs/504597_DTP%20TradeZone%202_DEIR.pdf|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}

Mount Moreland, a small community located {{convert|2.6|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of the airport, is an important roosting site for the European barn swallow.{{cite news |title=World Cup airport 'threatens swallow population' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/nov/16/travelnews.conservationandendangeredspecies.environment |date=16 November 2006 |work=The Guardian |access-date=10 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203201940/http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2006/nov/16/travelnews.conservationandendangeredspecies.environment |archive-date=3 December 2007 |url-status=live }} The roughly {{convert|250|m2|sqyd|0|abbr=on}} reed bed where the birds roost is directly underneath the approach path to runway 06. When the construction of the airport was announced, there were fears that the reed bed would have to be destroyed due to the perceived threat of bird strikes, creating concern amongst environmentalists.

As a result, a study into the risks of bird strikes at KSIA was commissioned, with special attention being paid to the barn swallows at Mount Moreland. The study showed that the early morning dispersals of swallows generally happen before any scheduled arrivals or departures (earlier than 06:00), and the late afternoon swarms take place below the airport approach path, with only 5% of the birds protruding up into the path for a very short time (around 10 minutes).{{cite news |title=Supplemental Bird Aircraft Interaction: King Shaka International Airport |url=http://www.airports.co.za/home.asp?pid=4177 |publisher=Airports Company South Africa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201053/http://www.airports.co.za/home.asp?pid=4177 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }} It was also noted that larger bird species, flying at higher altitudes, would pose more of a risk to aircraft than swallows, such species already being a risk at Durban International Airport. The study concluded that it would be possible for the airport and swallows to coexist. Proposed risk mitigation measures included curtailing flight movements during the afternoon swarm, setting the glide slope approach to Runway 06 to 3.2 or 3.5 degrees rather than the standard 3 degrees (to stay above the birds), and the installation of a radar system that would monitor bird movements and be integrated into the operational plan of the airport.

In response to the study, ACSA contracted De-Tect Inc. to install a radar system that would monitor all bird activity around KSIA, notifying air traffic controllers of any dangers to aircraft. The radar system arrived in January 2009 and started collecting data to be used when the airport became operational.{{cite news |title=New International Airport at La Mercy Update – January 2009 |url=http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?PID=94&ToolID=2&ItemID=5458 |date=19 January 2009 |work=Airports Company South Africa |access-date=10 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720010708/http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?PID=94&ToolID=2&ItemID=5458 |archive-date=20 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news|title=Bird arrivals, departures a priority at new airport in Africa|url=http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2010/03/24/african_airport_slots_bird_flights/|date=24 March 2010|work=National Geographic|publisher=News Watch|first=David|last=Braun|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714175506/http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2010/03/24/african_airport_slots_bird_flights/|archive-date=14 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}

File:KSIA-Departures.jpg

The passenger terminal is located at the southern end of the airport and is split into two levels: arrivals are handled on the lower floor and departures on the upper floor. With a total floor area of {{convert|102000|m2|sqft|-5|abbr=on}}, the terminal is capable of handling 7.5 million passengers per year.{{cite web |url=http://www.southafrica.info/travel/advice/durbanairport.htm |title=King Shaka International Airport – advice for travellers |publisher=SouthAfrica.info |access-date=8 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510153608/http://www.southafrica.info/travel/advice/durbanairport.htm |archive-date=10 May 2010 |url-status=live }}

The check-in concourse, located on the upper floor, contains 72 check-in counters and 18 self-service kiosks, as well as ticket offices for the various airlines operating out of the airport. Passengers pass through separate domestic and international security checkpoints before proceeding to the departure lounges and boarding gates. The airport has 34 aircraft parking bays and 16 jet bridges. Four of the jet bridges (gates A20-A23) can be combined into groups of two to handle Code F aircraft (e.g., an Airbus A380) or can be used separately to handle four Code C aircraft (e.g., an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737). The remainder are capable of handling one Code C aircraft each.{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.za/resource%20center/AIP's/2010/S018-10.pdf |title=King Shaka International Aerodrome (FALE) AD information |date=8 April 2010|page=4 |publisher=South African Civil Aviation Authority |access-date=8 May 2010}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

The arrivals area is located on the lower floor, with a baggage reclaim hall containing five conveyors that can be allocated for domestic and international use. Most of the airport's retail shops are also located on the lower floor, as is a piazza area immediately outside the terminal building. Including shops in the departure lounges, the airport has 52 retail outlets and {{convert|6500|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} of retail space.

File:Air Seychelles & Turkish Airlines.jpg

The terminal does not have a public viewing deck, which has attracted public criticism.{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/MyNews24/YourStory/King-Shaka-Airport-has-no-soul-20100505 |title=King Shaka Airport 'has no soul' |work=5 May 2010 |publisher=News24 |access-date=8 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508035939/http://www.news24.com/MyNews24/YourStory/King-Shaka-Airport-has-no-soul-20100505 |archive-date=8 May 2010 |url-status=live }} There are, however, vantage points on the elevated departures drop-off-road, as well as elsewhere in the airport precinct.{{cite web |url=http://switchmarketing.co.za/blog/2010/12/5/viewing-deck-at-king-shaka-airport.html |title=Viewing deck at King Shaka International Airport |first=Switch |last=Marketing |date=5 December 2010 |publisher=Michael Robert |access-date=5 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714130502/http://switchmarketing.co.za/blog/2010/12/5/viewing-deck-at-king-shaka-airport.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }} The International Terminal is located to the left of the airport and has two A380-800 docking bays in which four A330s can be parked.

File:KSIA-CargoTerminal.jpg

The cargo terminal is located to the north of the passenger terminal and is in the approximate centre of the airport precinct. The cargo terminal has an initial size of {{convert|15000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and an initial capacity of {{Convert|150000|MT|ST|sigfig=3|abbr=off|lk=on}} of cargo per year. A long-term expansion could see the cargo terminal expand to a size of {{convert|100000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} and a capacity of {{Convert|1000000|MT|ST|sigfig=2|abbr=off}} of cargo per year.{{cite journal|author=Institute of Natural Resources|title=Chapter 4 – Overview of Dube Tradeport|journal=Environmental Impact Assessment Report|publisher=Dube TradePort Environmental Impact Assessment Information Center|date=August 2007}} In August 2009, Worldwide Flight Services was given a five-year contract to operate the cargo terminal.{{cite news | title = New Dube terminal operator named | url = http://www.themercury.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5141108 | format = fee required | first = Suren | last = Naidoo | work = The Mercury | publisher = IOL | location = Durban | date = 27 August 2009| page = 2 | access-date = 28 August 2009}}{{cite web | title = WFS to operate cargo terminal at new Durban airport | url = http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/wfs-operate-cargo-terminal-new-durban-airport | publisher = PressReleasePoint | date = 3 September 2009 | access-date = 11 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140715035904/http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/wfs-operate-cargo-terminal-new-durban-airport | archive-date = 15 July 2014 | url-status = live }}

The cargo terminal forms one component of the Dube Trade Port's Trade Zone Precinct, which is, additionally, home to trade and logistics warehousing as well as cargo and light industry activities that require quick access to air cargo services, and covers an area of {{Convert|36|ha|acre|abbr=out|sigfig=2}}.{{cite web| title = King Shaka International Airport| url = http://www.southafrica.info/travel/advice/durbanairport.htm| publisher = SouthAfrica.info| access-date = 8 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100510153608/http://www.southafrica.info/travel/advice/durbanairport.htm| archive-date = 10 May 2010| url-status = live}} In February 2013, Shree Property Holdings agreed to build a {{Convert|60000|m2|ft2|adj=on|abbr=on}} facility in the Dube Trade Zone and an additional {{Convert|15000|m2|ft2|adj=on|abbr=on}} facility.{{cite web| url=http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/Uploads/dube_times_2013_07/Website_Articles/3.html| title=Construction begins on first multi-million Rand Private Sector investment at Dube TradePort| publisher=Dube TradePort| date=21 June 2013| access-date=29 June 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714150753/http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/Uploads/dube_times_2013_07/Website_Articles/3.html| archive-date=14 July 2014| df=dmy-all}} Samsung is to build a TV Production Plant at The Dube Trade Port by the end of 2014; the estimated cost over three years will be $20 million, thus increasing the production from 500 000 flat screens to 1 million.

One of the objectives of the cargo terminal is to recapture local air freight traffic from JNB. It is estimated that KwaZulu-Natal produces approximately {{Convert|25000|MT|ST|sigfig=3|abbr=off}} of air cargo a year, which is currently transported by road to Johannesburg.{{cite news | title = Dube TradePort cargo terminal nearing completion | url = http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/dube-tradeport-2009-09-11 | first = Margie | last = Inggs | publisher = Engineering News | date = 11 September 2009 | access-date = 19 September 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090914200402/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/dube-tradeport-2009-09-11 | archive-date = 14 September 2009 | url-status = live }} The airport also has the advantage of sea level operation as opposed to Johannesburg's high altitude and is also near the Port of Durban, the busiest seaport in the Southern Hemisphere.{{cite web |title=King Shaka Intl Airport (Dube Tradeport/FADN/DUR) required air routes |url=http://www.therouteshop.com/dubetrade-airport/ |publisher=The Route Shop |access-date=30 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918052226/http://www.therouteshop.com/dubetrade-airport/ |archive-date=18 September 2009 |url-status=live }} The cargo terminal will initially have two Code F stands (capable of accommodating large aircraft, like the freighter variants of the Boeing 747-8), which can be expanded to ten stands in the long term.

{{Airport destination list

| Air Botswana | Gaborone{{cite web |title=Air Botswana Network Expansion From Sep 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240903-bpsep24 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=3 September 2024}}

| Airlink | Harare,{{cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/industrial/airlink-believes-its-direct-durban-harare-flights-will-boost-economic-ties-20220224 |title=Airlink says direct flights between Durban and Harare will boost economic ties | Fin24 |publisher=News24.com |date=2020-07-22 |accessdate=2022-05-02}} Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo, Mbombela,{{cite web | url=https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/airlink-links-durban-and-kmia | title=Airlink links Durban and KMIA | date=10 February 2022 }} Port Elizabeth{{cite web | url=https://www.flyairlink.com/news-airlink-durban-to-gqeberha-flights | title=Airlink to start Durban – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) flights | Flyairlink }}

| CemAir | Bloemfontein,{{cite web|url=https://www.flycemair.co.za/ |title=CemAir / Scheduled flights in South Africa |publisher=Flycemair.co.za |date= |accessdate=2022-05-02}} Cape Town, George,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230329-5z2q23|title=Cemair 2Q23 Network Additions|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=29 March 2023|accessdate=29 March 2023}} Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo

| Emirates | Dubai–International{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/emirates-resumes-flights-to-south-africa-mauritius-and-zimbabwe-1.1082847|title=Emirates resumes flights to South Africa, Mauritius and Zimbabwe|date=24 September 2020}}

| Eswatini Air | Manzini

| FlySafair | Cape Town, East London,{{cite web |url=http://blog.flysafair.co.za/flysafair-launches-new-routes/ |title=FlySafair | FlySafair Launches New Routes |access-date=2 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605132144/http://blog.flysafair.co.za/flysafair-launches-new-routes/ |archive-date=5 June 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Johannesburg–Lanseria, Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo, Port Elizabeth{{cite web|url=https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_za/|title=British Airways}}{{full citation needed|date=January 2024}}

| LIFT | Cape Town,{{cite web | url=https://www.lift.co.za/en | title=LIFT | SA's Flexible Airline }} Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo{{cite web|url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/627622/lift-launches-new-route-expands-flights-in-south-africa/|title=Lift launches new route, expands flights in South Africa|date=22 September 2022}}

| Qatar Airways| Doha{{Ref|1|1}}

| South African Airways | Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Harry |title=South African Airways relaunches Johannesburg to Durban flights now |url=https://eturbonews.com/3014819/south-african-airways-relaunches-johannesburg-to-durban-flights-now/ |website=eTurboNews |access-date=19 January 2022}}

| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul{{cite web|title=Book Flights to South Africa {{!}} Turkish Airlines|url=https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-za/flights/country/south-africa/}}{{Ref|2|2}}

}}

• {{Ref|1|1}}This flight operates via Maputo. However, this carrier does not have rights to transport passengers solely between Durban and Maputo.
• {{Ref|2|2}}This flight operates via Johannesburg. However, this carrier does not have rights to transport passengers solely between Durban and Johannesburg.

{{Airport destination list

| BidAir Cargo[http://www.bidaircargo.com/overnight/network/ bidaircargo.com - Network] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101162011/https://bidaircargo.com/overnight/network/ |date=1 November 2021 }} retrieved 13 January 2021 | Johannesburg-Lanseria, Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo

}}

King Shaka International Airport handled 5.04 million passengers in the 2024–2025 financial year, with the majority (4.7 million) being domestic passengers, 324,919 being international, and a small percentage of traffic being classified as "unscheduled". 40,935 aircraft traffic movements were recorded; the majority again being domestic services. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel resulted in passenger numbers plummeting: only 1,5 million passengers were recorded during the 2020-2021 financial year; a decrease of 75.4%. International travel was hardest hit, with a decrease in international passenger numbers of 94.4% recorded.

The statistics place King Shaka International Airport as the third busiest airport in South Africa, behind both OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport.{{cite web|url=http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?pid=100 |title=ACSA – Statistics |publisher=Airports Company South Africa |access-date=6 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720010252/http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?pid=100 |archive-date=20 July 2011 |df=dmy }}

{{Airport-Statistics|iata=DUR|titre=Annual traffic on King Shaka (civil years)}}

The following tables list passenger and air traffic statistics for King Shaka International Airport as published by Airports Company South Africa. Statistics run between April and March the following year.

;Notes:

• {{note|1|1}} Statistics for 2010–2011 include operations at Durban International Airport up to and including 30 April 2010. Comparisons are made with the previous reporting period's statistics at Durban International Airport.

File:N2-M65 Durban.jpg

The airport is accessible from both the N2 freeway and the alternative R102 road, with the M65 linking the N2 at exit 195 and the R102 between Verulam and oThongathi (Tongaat) with the airport. The M65 does not continue from the N2 interchange to the coastal M4 highway, necessitating M4 traffic to divert to the N2 using either the M27 if approaching from the south, or the M43 (Ushukela Drive) if approaching from the north; however, the airport's Environmental Impact Assessment recommended that the M65 should be extended to the M4 in the future should traffic volumes rise to the point where this would become necessary. Another notable road in the vicinity of the airport is the R614 from the Albert Falls and Wartburg areas, which terminates at the R102 in the northern outskirts of oThongathi; users of the R614 access the airport via the R102.

The majority of routes to and from the airport via the N2 involve payment of a toll: traffic leaving the airport to the south (the direction of Durban) must pass through the La Mercy Ramp Plaza located at the interchange of the N2 and M65,{{cite news|title=Motorists face new airport toll ambush|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100318042546682C746047|publisher=IOL|first=Bronwyn|last=Gerretsen|date=18 March 2010|access-date=11 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429083215/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100318042546682C746047|archive-date=29 April 2010|url-status=live}} while traffic arriving at and leaving the airport from the north (the direction of Ballito/KwaDukuza) must pass through the mainline of Thongathi Toll Plaza located at the interchange of the N2 and M43. Motorists arriving from the south along the N2 are not tolled, and the R102 acts as an untolled alternative route. The N2 S from the airport can lead to the M4 S in uMhlanga, which leads directly into the city.

The airport contains 6,500 public parking bays, both in a short-term parkade and in a shaded medium-term parking area.{{cite news|title=In defence of King Shaka|url=http://www.gotravel24.com/theme/feature-focus/defending-king|publisher=GoTravel24.com|first=Simon|last=Williamson|date=2 June 2010|access-date=4 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603033958/http://www.gotravel24.com/theme/feature-focus/defending-king|archive-date=3 June 2010|url-status=live}} Public road transport is provided by airport shuttle buses and metered taxis, which have been allocated their own pick-up and drop-off area adjacent to the terminal entrance to the international arrivals area.

The main railway line heading north from Durban along the North Coast runs close to the R102. Direct rail access was provided for in the master plans, and is expected to be constructed after 2010 as part of the second phase of construction.{{cite news|title=Dube Tradeport, Transnet in talks |url=http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=561&fArticleId=3242932 |publisher=Business Report |first=Samantha |last=Enslin |date=12 May 2006 |access-date=15 April 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In 2014, talks of a new high-speed monorail between the city and the airport were put forward, with an expected start to construction set for 2017.{{cite news|title=Durban speed train on track|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/durban-speed-train-on-track-1.1793663|publisher=IOL News|first=Colleen|last=Dardagan|date=10 December 2014|access-date=26 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623181832/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/durban-speed-train-on-track-1.1793663|archive-date=23 June 2015|url-status=live}}

• On 13 August 2009, a privately owned Yakovlev Yak-18T (registration ZU-BHR) performed an emergency landing on the then unfinished runway due to a fuel contamination issue, becoming the first aircraft to land at KSIA.{{cite news | title = No fanfare for airport's first landing| url = http://www.dailynews.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5131175 | format = fee required | work = Daily News | publisher = IOL | location = Durban | pages = 1–2 | date = 19 August 2009| access-date = 26 August 2009}}{{cite web| title = Yak first to land at King Shaka| url = http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51102| work = AvCom| date = 13 August 2009| access-date = 26 August 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090818161658/http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51102| archive-date = 18 August 2009| url-status = live}}
• On 5 August 2012, a 1time Airline McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (registration ZS-OPZ) operating flight T6-653 from Durban to Cape Town International Airport suffered an engine failure to the right-hand engine on the initial climb out of Durban. The crew successfully returned to Durban on the remaining engine with no injuries reported. Debris from the failed engine caused the runway to be closed for 3 hours, resulting in numerous flight delays.{{cite web|url=http://avherald.com/h?article=453d5c80|title=Incident: 1time MD83 at Durban on Aug 5th 2012, engine shut down in flight after contained engine failure|website=avherald.com|access-date=2017-01-10}}
• On 29 August 2016, A Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8, registration A7-BDB performing flight QR-1367 from Doha to Durban via Johannesburg, was on approach to Durban's runway 06 when a bird impacted the nose of the aircraft. The aircraft continued to make a safe landing on the runway. The aircraft remained on the ground for 31 hours.{{cite web | url=http://avherald.com/h?article=49d5c9b6 | title=Incident: Qatar B788 at Durban on Aug 29th 2016, bird strike }}

{{advert|date=October 2018}}

• 2011 – 3rd Best Airport in Africa of the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International{{cite web |url=http://www.airportservicequalityawards.com/best-airport-region-africa |title=2012 Winners |publisher=Airportservicequalityawards.com |date=15 November 2012 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411115415/http://www.airportservicequalityawards.com/best-airport-region-africa |archive-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=live }}
• 2012 – 2nd Best Airport in Africa of the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29899:top-award-for-cape-town-international-&catid=114:civil-aviation&Itemid=247 |title=Top award for Cape Town International |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=19 March 2013 |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903103114/http://defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29899:top-award-for-cape-town-international-&catid=114:civil-aviation&Itemid=247 |archive-date=3 September 2013 |url-status=live }}
• 2013 – 1st Best Airport in World Handling under 5 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Awards by Skytrax{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2013/bestsize.htm#less5 |title=World's Best Airports by Passenger Numbers | 2013 |access-date=2013-04-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415124729/http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2013/bestsize.htm |archive-date=15 April 2013 |df=dmy }}
• 2014 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards by Skytrax{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/worlds_best_regional_airports.html|title=The World's Best Regional Airports|website=www.worldairportawards.com|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529004755/http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/worlds_best_regional_airports.html|archive-date=29 May 2017|url-status=live}}
• 2014 – 2nd Best Airport in World Handling under 5 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Awards by Skytrax
• 2014 – 3rd Best Domestic Airport in World of the Skytrax World Airports Awards by Skytrax
• 2015 – 1st Best Airport in World Handling under 5 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Awards by Skytrax
• 2015 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards
• 2015 – 3rd Best Domestic Airport in World of the Skytrax World Airports Awards
• 2015 – 4th Best Regional Airport in World of the Skytrax World Airports Awards
• 2015 – 2nd Best Airport in Africa of the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/king-shaka-ranked-second-in-africa-1992765|title=King Shaka ranked second in Africa - IOL|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705160015/http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/king-shaka-ranked-second-in-africa-1992765|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}
• 2016 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards
• 2016 – 1st Best Airport in World Handling under 5 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Awards
• 2016 – 2nd Best Airport in Africa of the Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International{{cite web|url=http://traveller24.news24.com/News/Flights/afritravel-king-shaka-scoops-international-airport-award-for-sa-20170309|title=#AfriTravel: King Shaka scoops international airport award for SA|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319111247/http://traveller24.news24.com/News/Flights/afritravel-king-shaka-scoops-international-airport-award-for-sa-20170309|archive-date=19 March 2017|url-status=live}}
• 2017 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards
• 2017 – 2nd Best Airport in World Handling between 5 & 10 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/best_airports_by_size.html|title=The World's Best Airports by Passenger Numbers|website=www.worldairportawards.com|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530091014/http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards/best_airports_by_size.html|archive-date=30 May 2017|url-status=live}}
• 2017 – 1st Best Airport Staff in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web|url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/best_airport_staff.html|title=The World's Best Airport Staff service|website=www.worldairportawards.com|language=en|access-date=2017-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626194608/http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards/best_airport_staff.html|archive-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live}}
• 2018 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web |url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/worlds_best_regional_airports.html |title=The World's Best Regional Airports 2021 |access-date=20 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408134058/http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/worlds_best_regional_airports.html |archive-date=8 April 2015 |url-status=live }}
• 2018 – 1st Best Airport in World Handling between 5 & 10 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web |url=http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/best_airports_by_size.html |title=World's Best Airports by Passenger Numbers 2021 |access-date=18 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502190840/http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards/best_airports_by_size.html |archive-date=2 May 2017 |url-status=live }}
• 2019 – 2nd Best Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web|url=https://www.worldairportawards.com/best-airports-2019-by-region/|title=Best Airports 2019 by Region|website=SKYTRAX|language=en|access-date=2019-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401110915/https://www.worldairportawards.com/best-airports-2019-by-region/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}
• 2019 – 1st Best Airport in World Handling between 5 & 10 Million Passengers of the Skytrax World Airports Award{{cite web|url=https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airports-by-size-2019/|title=World's Best Airports by Size 2019|website=SKYTRAX|language=en|access-date=2019-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713112622/https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airports-by-size-2019/|archive-date=13 July 2019|url-status=live}}
• 2019 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web|url=https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-regional-airports-2019/|title=World's Best Regional Airports 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401133709/https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-regional-airports-2019/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}
• 2019 – 1st Best Airport Staff in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awards{{cite web|url=https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airport-staff-2019/|title=World's Best Airport Staff 2019|website=SKYTRAX|language=en|access-date=2019-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401112747/https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airport-staff-2019/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}
• 2025 – 1st Best Regional Airport in Africa of the Skytrax World Airports Awardshttps://www.worldairportawards.com/a-z-airport-awards-winners-2025/

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category-inline}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110720010732/http://www.acsa.co.za/home.asp?pid=5745 King Shaka International Airport page on the ACSA website]
• [http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/ Dube Tradeport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929005325/http://www.dubetradeport.co.za/ |date=29 September 2007 }}

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Category:Airports in KwaZulu-Natal

Category:Buildings and structures in Durban

Category:Transport in Durban

Category:Airports established in 2010

Category:2010 establishments in South Africa

Category:21st-century architecture in South Africa