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Durban is going places.
This time, it’s Ethiopia and beyond! The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has announced that Ethiopian Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between Durban and Addis Ababa from 11 December 2026.
The new service, operated on a Boeing 737 MAX, is being welcomed by eThekwini Municipality and Durban Direct - the committee responsible for route development at King Shaka International Airport - as a significant boost for the city’s international connectivity.
eThekwini Municipality spokesman, Senzelwe Mzila says, “We welcome the decision by Ethiopian Airlines to launch daily non-stop flights connecting Durban directly to Addis Ababa…by eliminating domestic layovers, this strategic route establishes an uninterrupted commercial corridor providing seamless global connectivity for more than 130 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.”
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A new international gateway for Durban
The Durban-Addis Ababa service is expected to make international travel easier for both leisure and business travellers, while strengthening links between KwaZulu-Natal and global markets.
From Addis Ababa, Durban passengers will have one-stop access to destinations including major cities across Africa, as well as international centres such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington.
For inbound travellers, the route also creates a more convenient connection to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, potentially supporting tourism, trade, and investment opportunities.
“The introduction of the Durban-Addis Ababa service reflects the continued success of Durban Direct's route development strategy and collaborative efforts with aviation, tourism and government stakeholders to improve air access to the region,” says Hamish Erskine, Co-Chair of Durban Direct.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for EDTEA Musa Zondi described the launch as a major milestone for the province.
“Air connectivity is a critical enabler of economic growth, and this new service creates significant opportunities for tourism, airfreight and investment," added Zondi.
“Through Addis Ababa’s extensive route network, Durban and the province in general will be more connected to global markets than ever before. This development demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration between public and private sector partners in advancing KwaZulu-Natal’s growth agenda,” says Zondi.
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More ways to fly in and out of Durban
The Ethiopian Airlines announcement comes as Durban's international and regional air connectivity continues to develop.
Earlier this year, LIFT Airlines introduced direct flights between Durban and Réunion Island, with direct Mauritius services following in June, opening up new options for travellers looking for Indian Ocean escapes.
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There’s also good news for travellers heading north, with CemAir set to reinstate scheduled direct flights between Johannesburg and Richards Bay from 1 November 2026.
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Together, these developments add to the range of direct and connecting options available to travellers using Durban's King Shaka International Airport.
A boost for tourism and business
Improved connectivity can play a role in attracting international visitors, supporting tourism, and creating easier access to potential trade and investment markets.
Bookings for the new Ethiopian Airlines service are now open.
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