Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Daily Durban–Addis Ababa Flights, Opening KwaZulu-Natal to the World
KwaZulu-Natal is about to get a great deal closer to the rest of the world. Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed that it will launch daily, non-stop flights between King Shaka International Airport in Durban and its Addis Ababa hub from 11 December 2026, giving the province a direct link into Ethiopian’s extensive network across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
A New Daily Route Into Africa and Beyond
The new service, announced jointly by Ethiopian Airlines and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, will operate as daily non-stop flights linking Durban directly with Addis Ababa. From there, Ethiopian’s hub connects onward to more than 60 destinations across Africa, along with routes into Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, effectively placing KwaZulu-Natal a single connection away from most of the world.
A Boost for Tourism, Trade and Air Freight
The route is expected to deliver benefits well beyond the arrivals hall. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has described it as a major boost for the province, opening up greater opportunities for inbound tourism, trade and investment, and making it markedly easier for visitors from across Africa and further afield to reach the province directly. The daily frequency also improves air freight capacity through King Shaka International Airport, supporting exporters and businesses that rely on fast, reliable connections to international markets.
So Much More in KZN
As Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Ethiopian Airlines put it: more routes, more visitors, more opportunities. With daily flights bringing the province closer to Addis Ababa and the wider Ethiopian network from 11 December 2026, KwaZulu-Natal continues to build the international access that underpins its tourism growth, backing the province’s message to the world that there truly is so much more in KZN.
Source: Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Ethiopian Airlines.