Ethiopian Airlines Restarts Durban Service After Nine-Year Suspension

Ethiopian Airlines will restart daily passenger flights to Durban on Dec. 11, giving South Africa’s port city a direct link to one of Africa’s largest aviation hubs.

The route was suspended in 2017 after seasonal demand pressures. Durban will become the carrier’s third South African destination after Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“The resumption of this daily service underscores our commitment to providing seamless connectivity and greater travel choices for our passengers within Africa and beyond,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said. “We see strong potential to further enhance trade, tourism, and business links between South Africa and our extensive global network through our Addis Ababa hub.”

The flights will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX and will connect King Shaka International Airport directly with Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

The eThekwini Municipality, which administers Durban, welcomed the announcement. “Restoring and expanding direct global air links is essential for driving foreign direct investment, expanding local tourism and positioning Durban as an accessible commercial capital,” Mayor Cyril Xaba said. He added that the direct service would offer “immediate, hassle-free access” for international business delegates, tourists and local exporters looking to reach global markets.

Ethiopian Airlines has served South Africa for more than three decades, starting with Johannesburg in 1993 and adding Cape Town in 2015.

The airline flies to more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Its fleet includes Boeing 737s, 777s and 787s, Airbus A350-900s and A350-1000s, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s.