Durban International Airport: A Legacy in South Africa’s Aviation History

History African
@africanhistory
5 days ago

Before King Shaka International took over, Durban International Airport was the city's main aviation hub. Opened in 1951, it served the KwaZulu-Natal region for nearly six decades. Located just 16 kilometers south of the city center, the airport handled millions of passengers over the years and played a vital role in regional development.

For a long time, it was the third busiest airport in South Africa. However, as air traffic grew and aircraft technology advanced, the limitations of its location and infrastructure became more evident. The single runway couldn’t handle larger, modern aircraft effectively, and its proximity to the city made expansion difficult.

Durban International officially closed on May 1, 2010, when King Shaka International Airport opened to coincide with the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Since then, the old airport has stood largely unused, with discussions over repurposing the site still ongoing—ranging from logistics hubs to industrial developments.

While it no longer welcomes passengers, Durban International Airport remains part of the country's aviation story—a reminder of how South Africa has evolved to meet the demands of global travel.

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Photo Credit: SABC News