A DECISION by British Airways to introduce a direct, non-stop flight between London’s Heathrow Airport and Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is a game changer for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as it will be instrumental in contributing to an increase in international arrivals from the United Kingdom and North America.
British Airways announced the introduction of the route to a global audience today, (Tuesday, 8 May) while at the same time the MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, announced the long awaited decision to delegates attending Africa’s Travel INDABA in Durban.
The route is a huge leap forward for the tourism sector, propelling foreign direct investment, improving business connectivity and ensuring the economic empowerment of South Africans.
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Following closely on the heels of airlines such as Qatar Airways , Emirates, Air Mauritius and Turkish Airlines, who offer direct flights to Doha, Dubai, Mauritius, and Istanbul, British Airways will begin flying a three times weekly schedule direct from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 to Durban’s, King Shaka International Airport, starting on 29th of October 2018.
Zikalala said British Airways’ decision will allow KZN to showcase itself as a tourism and business destination to a global audience.
“The sheer diversity in travel and business opportunities that visitors can access through this gateway into the province of KZN will unlock enormous potential.”
Of the rich history Great Britain and KZN share, Zikalala said, “We are excited to be able to rekindle that relationship with the launch of this new route.”
“The investment and trade opportunities presented by this direct flight between Durban and London will undoubtedly add value to our economy.”
Zikalala said KZN was eager to showcase the province’s various tourism products and experiences, including some of the world’s most pristine natural habitats, which are enhanced by two World Heritage Sites, namely Ukhahlamba Drakensberg mountain range and St Lucia.
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He added that international cargo through Dube Cargo Terminal had experienced continuous year-on-year growth, which amounted to a 138 per cent increase in volumes since 2010.
“The introduction of new passenger flights to Durban saw a growth of a 25 per cent in cargo volumes, as well as an increased frequency of chartered aircraft. In the 2017/218 financial year cargo growth reached 12 per cent,” explained Zikalala.
The announcement was also warmly welcome by eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, who said it underpinned the council’s strategy to attract visitors and investors from the UK and European market to Durban.
“This flight will create an enabling environment for our city to do business with our European partners with ease,” said Gumede.
About 90 000 passengers currently fly indirectly between Durban and London via Johannesburg or other hubs like Dubai.
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