King Shaka International Airport

King Shaka International Airport, opened ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is the main aerial gateway to Durban and the entire KwaZulu-Natal region. Named after the legendary Zulu king, this modern and stylish airport has quickly established itself as one of the most convenient and efficient in South Africa. Located 35 km north of the city centre, it plays a key role in serving both domestic and international flights, ranking as the third busiest in the country. The airport is designed to ensure a seamless and comfortable journey for passengers, from arrival to boarding.

King Shaka Airport prides itself on its thoughtful infrastructure and wide range of services. A single terminal serves both domestic and international destinations, making navigation intuitively clear. Travellers have access to numerous shops, restaurants, currency exchange bureaus, free Wi-Fi throughout the area, and a 24-hour medical centre. For passengers requiring special attention, all conditions are met: the airport is fully accessible for people with disabilities. Furthermore, there are prayer rooms for people of different faiths, emphasizing its international status and hospitality.

• Official website: kingshakainternational.co.za
• Help desk phone: +27 (0)32 436 6000
• Address: King Shaka Drive, La Mercy, 4405, South Africa
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the feedback form on the official website or write to the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA): customercare@airports.co.za
• Social media: You can follow airport news on the official social media pages of the operator ACSA, for example, on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @Airports_ZA.
• Lost luggage information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline directly. Contact details are usually found on your boarding pass or the carrier's website.
• Passenger support contacts: For general information and support, you can use the main airport help desk phone number.

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is located approximately 35 kilometres north of the centre of Durban, and there are several convenient ways to get to or from it. When planning your route, consider the time of day and potential traffic, especially during rush hours. On average, the trip from the city centre takes about 30-45 minutes.

Public transport and shuttles
The most budget-friendly option is the Airport Shuttle Bus. These buses run on a schedule between the airport, Durban city centre, and the popular Umhlanga area, stopping at major hotels. It is a reliable and inexpensive way to travel, ideal for solo travellers and those looking to save money. Tickets can be purchased online or directly from the driver.

Taxis, transfers, and ride-sharing
Outside the arrivals hall, you will find the official airport taxi service. A metered trip to the city centre will cost more than the shuttle but ensures comfort and "door-to-door" delivery. Additionally, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate actively in South Africa, often offering competitive prices. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or large luggage, you can book a private transfer in advance. In this case, the driver will meet you with a sign right in the arrivals hall.

Car rental and parking
For those planning to actively move around the region, renting a car is the best solution. Offices of all major international and local rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.) are present at King Shaka Airport. The counters are located in the terminal building, and the rental car park is within walking distance. If you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle, several parking options are available: from short-term parking located right at the terminal to more budget-friendly long-term parking.

Alternative airports
Depending on your final destination, it might be more convenient to fly into one of the neighbouring airports. The nearest is Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), located approximately 70 km away. For trips to the north coast, Richards Bay Airport (RCB) is convenient, and for the south coast — Margate Airport (MGH).

King Shaka Airport in Durban is designed with passenger convenience and efficiency in mind. It consists of one modern passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This structure significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive and organised on two main levels. The upper level is designated for departing passengers (Departures). Here you will find check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and then — security screening zones and passport control. After completing formalities, passengers enter a spacious waiting lounge with boarding gates, shops, and restaurants. The zones for domestic and international flights are separated after passing security control.

The lower level is the Arrivals zone. Passengers arrive here after landing. This area houses baggage claim carousels, customs control for international flights, and the exit to the general hall. In the arrivals hall, you will find car rental counters, tourism company offices, currency exchange bureaus, and the meet-and-greet area.

Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones are made on foot inside the building. Navigation is simple thanks to clear signage in English. The time required to go through all procedures is usually short due to good organisation. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, to check in and pass security without rushing, especially during peak hours.

The history of King Shaka International Airport is a story of modern construction and strategic planning. Unlike many airports with a century of history, this transport hub was built from scratch and officially opened on 1 May 2010, just a month before the start of the FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa. The new airport replaced the old Durban International Airport, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and had limitations on expansion.

The main impetus for construction was indeed the 2010 World Cup. The country's government and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial authorities needed a modern facility capable of receiving thousands of fans from all over the world. The location in the La Mercy area, north of the city, allowed for the design of a long runway (3,700 metres), capable of accommodating the largest passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The project was implemented within a tight timeframe and became one of the key infrastructure objects prepared for the championship.

Since its opening, King Shaka Airport has established itself as one of the best on the African continent. It regularly receives prestigious awards from Skytrax, including "Best Regional Airport in Africa" and "Best Airport Staff in Africa". This is a testament to the high level of service, thoughtful logistics, and modern architecture focused on passenger comfort. The airport has not undergone massive reconstructions, as it was originally built to advanced standards.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that the airport was named in honour of King Shaka, the legendary ruler and founder of the Zulu kingdom, which highlights the cultural significance of the region. Furthermore, after the opening of the new airport, its predecessor ceased operations completely, and the international IATA code — DUR — was officially "inherited" by the new complex. Today, King Shaka Airport is not just a transport gateway, but also a symbol of economic growth and tourist appeal for the entire region.

King Shaka International Airport in Durban is a modern and well-equipped transport hub offering passengers everything needed for a comfortable journey. Here you will find a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, and beverage outlets where you can have a bite before your flight — from fast food establishments to full-service restaurants. For shopping enthusiasts, numerous stores are open, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, clothing, cosmetics, and goods from leading global brands.

To make waiting for your flight comfortable, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as numerous charging stations for electronic devices. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of several VIP lounges. They offer comfortable seating, snacks and drinks, fresh press, and a separate work area in a quiet atmosphere.

It is easy to solve financial matters at the airport: ATMs, bank branches, and currency exchange bureaus are at your service. In case of need, a medical centre operates in the terminal to provide first aid. Travellers with children will appreciate the presence of mother and child rooms equipped with everything necessary for baby care.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, special restrooms, and elevators are provided. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services are available, and you can stay overnight in one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

King Shaka Airport offers passengers diverse dining opportunities catering to all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch, you will find a suitable establishment both in the public zone (landside) and in the secure zone (airside).

For those in a rush, the airport presents a wide selection of cafés and fast-food chains. Here you can find coffee shops popular in South Africa, such as Mugg & Bean, which serve excellent coffee and light snacks, as well as places like Steers or Wimpy for a classic burger or sandwich. These cafés are located in both the departure hall and the arrivals area, making them convenient for meeters and greeters as well as departing passengers.

If you have time for a leisurely meal, several full-service restaurants are at your disposal. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience local cuisine. Look out for establishments offering traditional South African dishes, such as steaks or the famous biltong snack. Given the unique cultural heritage of Durban, in some restaurants, you can find dishes with Indian influence, such as aromatic curry. For a more relaxed atmosphere, there are also bars where you can order drinks and enjoy the view of the runway.

Passengers with special dietary requirements will not go hungry either. Most restaurants and cafés offer vegetarian dishes, and in some, you can find vegan, gluten-free, or halal options. It is recommended to check the availability of such dishes with the establishment's staff. The price range varies from budget options in food courts to moderate prices in restaurants. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the last departure.

To ensure your journey through King Shaka Airport in the city of Durban goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible, take advantage of these proven tips for travellers.

Arrival time at the airport: For international flights, it is strongly recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours will be sufficient. This gives you a comfortable margin of time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening, especially during morning peak hours or holiday periods.

Check-in and security: The best way to save time is to check in online on the airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. At the security checkpoint, be ready in advance to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as the transparent bag with liquids, to speed up the process.

Seat selection on the plane: Seat selection can significantly affect flight comfort. A window seat is suitable for those who like to take photos of views or simply want to rest quietly. An aisle seat is convenient for those who plan to get up often and stretch their legs. Emergency exit seats offer more space but often require an extra fee and have restrictions.

Hand luggage rules: Remember the standard restriction on carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. It is always useful to check the exact rules of your airline before travelling.

Tips for transfer passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically (in transit) or if you need to collect it and check it in again. Inside the terminal, follow the "Connecting Flights" or "Transfers" signs to quickly find the way to your next boarding gate.

Customs control: When arriving in South Africa, you will pass through customs. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently to the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods exceeding duty-free limits or restricted items, you must go through the "Red Channel". Keep receipts for expensive purchases.

Saving time and money: To save money, take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water from drinking fountains after passing security. Food prices at the airport are generally high, so you can bring a non-liquid snack with you. Use the free Wi-Fi at the airport to avoid spending money on mobile roaming.

What to do in case of flight delay: In the event of a flight delay, remain calm and contact your airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with food vouchers, and for long waits — hotel accommodation.