New airport could soon boost KZN South Coast
KZN’s South Coast may soon get a new airport. Here’s what we know so far about eThekwini’s proposal…
The eThekwini Municipality confirmed it is exploring plans to develop a new airport on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast to boost regional accessibility and strengthen the province’s tourism economy.
City Manager Musa Mbhele shared the proposal during the Mayoral Tourism Trade Stakeholder Engagement in Durban on 4 September.
Mbhele noted that expanding airport infrastructure could create new growth opportunities for the region.
A look back: KZN’s airport history
As far as airports in KZN are concerned, until 2010, Durban International Airport, formerly Louis Botha Airport, was the city’s main gateway.
Located in Prospecton, Durban International Airport served millions of passengers before decommissioning when King Shaka International Airport opened in La Mercy, 35km north.
The closure was largely due to Durban International’s short 2.4km runway, which could not handle jumbo jets, unlike King Shaka’s 3.7km runway.
After the airport closed, Transnet bought the site from Airports Company South Africa for R1.8 billion in 2012.
In 2017, Transnet leased the property to Seaworld, which planned a R200 million revival to restart flights. However, the project collapsed when Seaworld discovered tenants occupying parts of the terminal, sparking a dispute with Transnet. The lease was terminated in 2018, and the matter went to court.
What’s next for the site?
Transnet is now using the old airport land to expand Durban’s port cargo terminal and has announced plans to build a massive dug-out port on the site by 2030, making it an unlikely location for a new airport.
Mbhele did not reveal the potential site for the proposed KZN South Coast airport, but officials say feasibility studies will identify the best option. For the tourism sector, which has long advocated for easier access to coastal towns south of Durban, the announcement could mark a turning point.
Although still in the exploratory phase, the proposal highlights a renewed focus on infrastructure that supports both KZN South Coast tourism and long-term economic growth.