Ethiopian Airlines will launch a daily non-stop service between Durban and Addis Ababa on 11 December 2026, adding a direct link between KwaZulu-Natal and one of Africa’s major aviation hubs.
The service will be operated on a Boeing 737 MAX, with bookings now open. From Addis Ababa, passengers will be able to connect to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
For Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, the route adds international air access for both tourism and business travel, while providing an additional connection into global markets.
New route expands international access
Passengers travelling via Addis Ababa will have one-stop connections to destinations including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington, as well as cities across the African continent.
The route is expected to support international visitor arrivals to KwaZulu-Natal while improving access for local travellers and businesses operating across international markets.
“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. 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,” said Rev. Musa Zondi, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
The additional air access is also expected to support trade and investment links, with improved connectivity providing businesses with greater access to international markets and potential partners.
Durban Direct’s route strategy
The new service follows collaboration between Durban Direct, aviation and tourism stakeholders, and government to expand air access to the region.
“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,” says Hamish Erskine, Co-Chair of Durban Direct.
The Durban-Addis Ababa route will begin operating on 11 December, providing Durban with a daily direct link to Addis Ababa and onward connections across Ethiopian Airlines’ network.
