ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY WELCOMES ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES’ DECISION TO LAUNCH DAILY DIRECT DURBAN ROUTE

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

The eThekwini Municipality welcomes the landmark decision by Ethiopian Airlines to launch a daily non-stop air service connecting Durban directly to its main hub in Addis Ababa from 11 December 2026.

Previously, travelers and freight operators navigating between Durban and East Africa as well as onward global markets were required to connect via domestic layovers in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

The introduction of this direct service resolves long-standing travel friction, establishing an uninterrupted corridor that connects King Shaka International Airport directly to one of Africa’s primary global aviation hubs.

Operating daily on a Boeing 737 MAX, the new service for which bookings are now officially open will provide seamless access to more than 130 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

EThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, described the airline's decision as a major vote of confidence in the City’s economic trajectory and international standing.

“We warmly welcome this decision by Ethiopian Airlines. Restoring and expanding direct global air links is essential for driving foreign direct investment, expanding local tourism, and positioning Durban as an accessible commercial capital. Where travelers previously faced additional transit times through secondary domestic hubs, this direct service offers immediate, hassle-free access for international business delegates, tourists, and local exporters seeking global market reach,” said Mayor Xaba.

City Manager, Musa Mbhele, noted that the airline's expansion aligns directly with the Municipality’s broader strategy for economic growth and international trade facilitation.

“The decision by Ethiopian Airlines to deploy daily flights into Durban reflects the strength of our municipal infrastructure and the commercial viability of our region. This dedicated service enhances cargo capacity for local enterprises, elevates passenger throughput at King Shaka International Airport, and underscores the success of ongoing strategic engagements to expand direct international access into eThekwini,” said Mbhele.

The direct route is set to significantly boost visitor arrivals and trade connections with key international destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi, and Washington, via convenient connections in Addis Ababa.

ENDS

Issued by: eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.