KwaZulu-Natal provincial air connection development initiative Durban Direct has announced that Ethiopian Airlines will inaugurate a direct service between Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and Durban on December 11 this year. The route will be operated using Boeing 737MAX single-aisle airliners and bookings can already be made.

“The launch of the Durban-Addis Ababa route marks a major milestone for KwaZulu-Natal and reinforces our position as a key gateway into Africa,” affirmed KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Reverend Musa Zondi. “Air connectivity is a critical enabler of economic growth, and this new service creates significant opportunities for tourism, airfreight and investment. 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.”

Ethiopian Airlines has an extensive route network across Africa. It also serves major global centres across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, such as Delhi, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, Paris and Washington. Travellers from Durban will be able to access these using the airline, with only a single stop on the way. And international travellers from across the world will find Durban easier to access.

Business class travellers will have greater flexibility and convenience regarding their travel plans, whether outbound or inbound. Increased air connectivity is also a major enabler for growing the tourist sector. The new route is expected to stimulate a growth in tourism traffic to Durban from Ethiopia, and also from the rest of the continent, and beyond, via Ethiopian Airlines widespread route network.

“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,” highlighted Durban Direct co-chair Hamish Erskine.