KING Shaka International Airport (KSIA) facilitated the journeys of more than 616 000 passengers arriving and departing during December last year, up by 11 per cent from 553 000 for the same period the previous year. International visitors grew to more than 43 000 – an 11 per cent increase from December 2018.
Meanwhile, domestic passenger numbers rose by 12 per cent to more than 570 000 in December 2019.
Colin Naidoo, KSIA senior manager for Corporate Affairs said this makes KSIA the fastest-growing airport in South Africa.
“Most airlines operated at near to full capacity during the peak holiday month as both international and local visitors flocked to Durban for the end-of-year break. The growth in passenger numbers reflects not only the increasing attractiveness of Kwa-Zulu Natal as a tourist destination, but that flying directly to their destination has become more affordable and convenient for more visitors. We are proud to say that December 2019 yielded the highest passenger volumes for the first time in its history, of which 93 per cent of total pax were domestic travellers,” he said.
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According to Naidoo the growth in international traffic was the result of several international airlines operating direct routes to Durban from major cities such as London and Dubai.
He added that the airport has won several accolades over the past year, including the best regional airport in Africa in the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2019, CAA Safety Award 2019 and Skytax Best Airport Staff 2019!
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“The airport hopes that this trend will continue as 2020 rapidly approaches with its challenges and opportunities. The increasing passenger numbers during the busy peak season month puts King Shaka International Airport firmly on track to grow its total passenger numbers to more than 6 million a year by the end of March this year,” said Naidoo.
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