New airport proposed for South Durban to boost growth
New airport proposed for South Durban as city leaders weigh the economic, tourism, and accessibility benefits for the region. The announcement has sparked renewed debate about the city’s aviation history and the role a second airport could play in addressing challenges since the relocation from Durban International Airport to King Shaka International Airport.
Background: From Durban International Airport to King Shaka International Airport
For decades, Durban International Airport, formerly Louis Botha Airport, was the main aviation hub for the city. Located in Prospecton, it served travelers until May 2010, when operations shifted to King Shaka International Airport in La Mercy, situated 35km north of the city.
The move to King Shaka was primarily driven by infrastructure limitations. Durban International Airport had a 2.4km runway, which was too short to accommodate jumbo jets and large international flights. In contrast, King Shaka International Airport boasts a 3.7km runway, making it capable of handling long-haul international traffic.
However, this shift created challenges for communities in the south of Durban, especially in areas such as Amanzimtoti and the Sapphire Coast. Many residents and tourism stakeholders argue that South Coast tourism has suffered due to the airport being located far from the southern regions.
Ethekwini Municipality’s proposal
The announcement of a new airport proposed for South Durban was made by city manager Musa Mbhele during the Mayoral Tourism Trade Stakeholder engagement on September 4. According to Mbhele, eThekwini Municipality is actively exploring ways to improve regional accessibility and support South Coast tourism.
The Municipality sees the potential for an additional airport to balance the city’s transport infrastructure, reduce travel times for residents in the south, and reignite tourism growth in areas that have seen less focus since King Shaka International Airport’s opening.
This plan is also aligned with broader urban development goals that aim to position Durban as a competitive global destination for business and leisure travel.
The Transnet factor and past airport disputes
The site of the former Durban International Airport has a complex history since its closure. In 2012, Transnet purchased the land from Airports Company South Africa for R1.8 billion. Five years later, in 2017, Transnet leased the property to Seaworld, which had ambitious plans to invest R200 million to revive the facility and reopen it for flights.
Unfortunately, the project stalled when Seaworld discovered that tenants were still occupying sections of the terminal building. This dispute escalated, eventually ending up in court after Transnet terminated the lease in 2018.
Currently, the old airport site is used by Transnet as an extension of the port’s cargo terminal. The company has long-term plans to build a dug-out port on the site starting in 2030. This raises questions about where exactly a new airport in South Durban could be constructed, given the ongoing industrial and logistical priorities at the existing site.
Tourism stakeholders support the proposal
Local tourism players, particularly those connected to the Sapphire Coast, have expressed strong support for the proposal. Romy Wenzel from Sapphire Coast Tourism noted that before 2010, Durban International Airport provided great accessibility for travelers heading to Amanzimtoti and surrounding areas.
“We used to accommodate a lot of travellers either arriving or departing from the old airport before 2010, due to its proximity to Amanzimtoti and the surrounds. Unfortunately, things took a turn when King Shaka Airport opened on the complete opposite side of town. We believe that since then, the southern region has not seen the same level of attention, which even the city manager confirmed himself,” Wenzel said.
The argument is that a new airport could restore balance in how tourism and investment are spread across Durban. For many, the success of South Coast tourism depends on better infrastructure, and air travel plays a central role.
Economic and tourism impact
The potential benefits of a new airport proposed for South Durban extend beyond convenience. Key expected outcomes include:
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Boosting South Coast tourism: Shorter travel times for visitors to Amanzimtoti, Sapphire Coast, and nearby attractions.
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Creating jobs: Construction and operation of the airport would generate both temporary and permanent employment opportunities.
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Supporting local business: Improved accessibility could attract more conferences, business travel, and commercial activity.
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Reducing congestion: With King Shaka International Airport handling all flights, a second facility could ease passenger and cargo traffic.
However, experts caution that costs, environmental impact, and coordination with existing infrastructure projects like the dug-out port must be carefully managed.
Challenges and uncertainties
Despite the excitement, challenges remain. The most significant issues include:
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Location: The possible site of the new airport has not yet been disclosed, raising speculation about whether it would be near the old Durban International Airport grounds or in another area of the South Coast.
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Funding: Large-scale airport construction requires billions in investment. Questions remain over whether this would be funded publicly, privately, or through partnerships.
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Coordination with Transnet: With Transnet planning major developments on the old airport site, the Municipality will need to balance industrial growth with aviation needs.
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Demand: While South Coast tourism advocates strongly support the airport, passenger demand projections will need to justify the costs of such a development.
Looking ahead
The idea of a new airport proposed for South Durban reflects the city’s efforts to expand its tourism and economic footprint. While still in its early stages, the discussion highlights ongoing frustrations about accessibility in the south, compared to the dominance of King Shaka International Airport in the north.
For eThekwini Municipality, the challenge will be to ensure that any development aligns with long-term city planning goals while addressing the needs of both residents and businesses.
For now, tourism stakeholders remain hopeful. If the proposal gains traction, it could signal a new chapter in Durban’s aviation story—one that reconnects the southern communities to the global travel network and strengthens South Coast tourism for decades to come.
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