The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to introduce a daily direct flight between Durban and Addis Ababa from December.
The new route will connect King Shaka International Airport with Ethiopian Airlines’ main hub in Addis Ababa, providing travellers and freight operators with direct access to more than 130 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.
The municipality says the new service will strengthen Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s position as an important gateway to the rest of the African continent.
Previously, passengers and freight travelling between Durban and East African destinations, as well as international markets, often had to connect through Johannesburg or Cape Town.
eThekwini Municipality representative Senzo Mzila says the direct service will create a more efficient commercial link between Durban and global markets.
Mzila says eliminating the need for additional domestic connections will provide a more seamless route for passengers and businesses while expanding access to international destinations.
The municipality says the new service is expected to support tourism, trade and broader economic activity by improving connectivity between Durban, East Africa and international markets.