Durban's new airport proposal gains support, could boost tourism and regional accessibility
File image: City manager Musa Mbhele has unveiled a proposal for a new airport in the south Durban area.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The proposed construction of a new airport on the south of Durban has been described as a vital move that could trigger economic growth and create more jobs for the city.
Tourism bodies and opposition parties in the council have welcomed the proposal, adding that the city should invest in essential infrastructure. The tourism industry said it had suffered immensely after the old airport in the south of the city was closed.
City manager Musa Mbhele revealed the proposal during the mayoral tourism trade stakeholder engagement held in Durban recently. The City is exploring plans for a second airport on the South Coast to improve regional accessibility and boost tourism. The Mercury reached out to the municipality to get more details on the proposed project, but the City had not responded by the time of publication.
Durban’s previous airport, located south of the City, the Durban International Airport (formerly Louis Botha Airport), served as the City’s main airport until May 2010, when King Shaka International Airport opened in La Mercy, 35 km away.
The relocation was prompted by Durban International’s 2.4 km runway, which was too short for jumbo jets, compared to King Shaka’s 3.7 km runway.
It has been reported that Transnet purchased the Durban International Airport site from Airports Company South Africa for R1.8 billion in 2012 and leased it to Seaworld in 2017. However, the project stalled and the lease was cancelled. This has led to a protracted legal dispute between Transnet and Seaworld.
Sapphire Coast Tourism’s Romy Wenzel said the South Coast community has suffered for the past 15 years since the old airport closed its doors.
“We understand that it is just talk at the moment, but a new airport would really boost tourism. It will not just benefit the community south of Durban but further down the coast. I have lived in this area since 2004.
“Previously, there would be a lot of people booking to stay and exploring the south all the way to Port Edward, but that has all changed since the airport moved.”
DA councillor Thabani Mthethwa welcomed the announcement by the city manager that eThekwini is exploring the development of a new airport in the south of Durban.
“This initiative has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities, particularly for communities in the southern region of the city.
“The DA strongly believes that eThekwini must consistently seek out opportunities that create jobs, stimulate investment, and drive economic growth. Strategic infrastructure projects like this can play a vital role in positioning Durban as a competitive and thriving economic hub.
“Ours is to closely monitor the process to ensure that it is transparent, inclusive, and prioritises the needs of local communities while delivering value for money for ratepayers,” Mthethwa said.
Patrick Pillay of the Democratic Liberal Congress said the party will support any development that will provide jobs and enhance economic development.
“The establishment of the new airport will provide much-needed job opportunities, enhance the economy, provide easier accessibility for travellers, and develop the old airport space that is currently a huge ‘white elephant.’ It would also be vitally important for the City to engage with reliable partnerships to make this a success story.”
However, ActionSA warned that the city has other pressing priorities.
ActionSA councillor Sanelisiwe Zuma said, “While a new airport may be seen as progress, eThekwini should first focus on fixing its existing problems.”
She said the City struggles to attract tourists due to failing infrastructure, an unreliable water and electricity supply, and a collapsing sewerage system that has led to high E. coli levels along Durban’s beaches.
“Durban was once known for its beautiful beachfront and vibrant attractions, yet neglect has led to declining visitor numbers and closures like the iconic Durban Funworld. Development in a crumbling city is not the solution.
“As we approach the festive season, which is a critical period for tourism, the municipality should be prioritising the revitalisation of the city to attract visitors, rather than embarking on grand development projects that do little to address the root causes of decline. “The priority must be restoring infrastructure, reviving the beachfront, and rebuilding tourism before pursuing new mega-projects.”
EThekwini councillor Mdu Nkosi expressed full support for the proposal to construct a second major airport in the city.
“I believe that a significant city like eThekwini requires a second large airport. This development could lead to the creation of numerous job opportunities. It’s important to remember that when the airport relocated, not all employees were able to return to their previous positions.”
Nkosi said the size and capacity of the new airport could attract additional travel destinations. He emphasised that once the airport has established itself, it could significantly contribute to the region’s economy.
“KwaZulu-Natal needs innovative projects like this to encourage businesses and create opportunities for growth within the city,” he added.