New flights will be launched between KIng Shaka International Airport andSaint-Pierre, Pierrefonds Airport in Réunion Island. In a bid to restore Durban’s status as a premier international destination through enhanced air connectivity, Global Airways, in collaboration with Fly Vetiv’Air and Durban Direct, unveiled plans to establish direct flights between Durban andRéunion Island. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boosttourismand trade in both regions.
Durban Direct is a committee dedicated to route development at King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Global Airways is a well-established aircraft leasing (ACMI) and charter company, recognised for its operations supporting airlines such as LIFT. The new flights are set to commence onFebruary 26, 2026, with Global Airways and Fly Vetiv’Air working together on this route.
There is potential for future expansion to include flights toMauritius, further enhancing the region’s connectivity. Dr Nkosenye Zulu, head of department for the KwaZulu-Natal Department for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, expressed optimism about the new route. “Every new international connection brings increased tourist arrivals and new opportunities for exporters, especially given the air cargo facility operated by Dube TradePort at King Shaka International Airport.
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It also creates business-to-business linkages in aviation, hospitality, logistics, and beyond,” he stated. Zulu further added that they are confident that this new route will stimulate two-way flows of tourism traffic, strengthen trade in goods and services, and support investment opportunities between the regions, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, green energy, and the creative industries. Philisiwe Ndlovu, deputy chairperson of the Economic Development Cluster at eThekwini Municipality, echoed this sentiment, declaring the launching of flights to Saint-Pierre, Pierrefonds Airport in Réunion Island, a monumental achievement for aviation and tourism in Durban and broader KwaZulu-Natal. “This route will unlock easier travel for both business and leisure, supporting our city’s strategic positioning as a resilient, sustainable gateway into Africa,” she explained.
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