KwaZulu Natal Tourist AttractionsKing Shaka International Airport
Where? King Shaka Drive, La Mercy, 4405, KwaZulu Natal
How? Call +27 (0)32 436-6000
Overnight? Stay in La Mercy, in KwaZulu Natal
The King Shaka International Airport opened on May 2010, just in time to welcome the millions of football fans that flooded South Africa to enjoy the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. This airport, also known as KSIA or King Shaka, is situated in La Mercy, in the culture-rich metropolis of Durban, the main city of KwaZulu-Natal.
King Shaka is modern and well-equipped, boasting world-class facilities and amenities to cater to South African and foreign travellers alike. Having replaced the Durban International Airport, it is around three times larger with an impressive five times as many shops than its predecessor. It is 35 kilometres from the city centre of Durban, making it really easy to find and access.
KSIA works with a number of local and international airlines. Domestic flights are conducted by South African Airways (SAA), Kulula, British Airways and Mango. International airlines include Air France, Air Madagascar, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, amongst many others. This is also an important link between and amongst Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Today, it continues to be one of the busiest airports on the African continent.
An online booking system that has been implemented for King Shaka International Airport allows those planning their trip to do thorough and comprehensive searches for the cheapest and most convenient flights, as well as to book these online and from the comfort of their homes and offices. Further to this, the same online search and booking facility is available for car hire services. This is truly a central hub for all of your travel requirements.
The King Shaka Airport is also equipped with many shops, restaurants, banks and foreign exchange service providers. Those needing refreshments between flights can visit Kauai, Cape Town Fish Market, Milky Lane, Mugg ‘n Bean, News Café, and Spur.
In terms of shopping, there is plenty to keep avid retail-junkies busy. Look out for Cellini for glamorous luggage and leather products, as well as Exclusive Books, Mabote Arts, Ice Watch, Jeep, Nike, Sky Games, Sunglass Hut, and Woolworths. Of course, the list goes on, and is sure to impress even seasoned travellers.
The runway at KSIA is 3.7 kilometres long and there is parking for 34 aircraft at a time. For the added convenience of passengers, there are 72 check-in counters, 52 retail outlets and 6 500 public parking bays. It was designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners and cost a whopping R6.8 billion to build. With these impressive statistics, it is no wonder that the King Shaka International Airport continues to welcome millions of international visitors onto South African soil every year.
Whether you are visiting Durban for business or pleasure purposes, there are a number of attractions that can be recommended during your time here. These include the Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the Durban Botanical Gardens or any one of the many beautiful beaches for which this part of the country is so well known.
