Durban’s Groundbreaking Direct Flights to Réunion in 2026: Here’s Why You Can’t Miss It!

Published on December 15, 2025

In 2026, Durban will establish a new direct international flight route, marking a significant milestone for the city’s tourism and trade sectors. This new connection will facilitate travel to an Indian Ocean island, offering exciting opportunities for both leisure and business exchanges.

Announcement of New International Air Link

Global Airways has made a major announcement regarding the launch of direct flights between Durban and an island in the Indian Ocean. This new air route is set to begin early in 2026, with services provided in collaboration with Fly Vetiv’Air. The announcement was made during a pre-launch event held at Dube TradePort on December 11, 2025.

This new direct air link is expected to revolutionize the way people travel between Durban and the Indian Ocean island, fostering both tourism growth and trade expansion.

A New Era for Tourism and Trade

The head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Dr. Nkosenye Zulu, expressed optimism about the potential impact of this new route. Dr. Zulu highlighted that this direct flight service would greatly enhance tourist arrivals to Durban, while simultaneously opening new avenues for export opportunities.

The cargo facilities available at King Shaka International Airport are anticipated to play a crucial role in supporting local exporters by improving access to international markets. This is particularly important for industries in Durban and surrounding areas that rely on efficient transportation of goods to and from international destinations.

According to Dr. Zulu, the new air link is expected to stimulate tourism in both directions, encourage cross-border trade, and support investments in diverse sectors. These sectors range from agriculture and manufacturing to green energy and the creative industries, positioning Durban as a hub for sustainable development and international collaboration.

Enhancing eThekwini’s Global Profile

At the pre-launch event, eThekwini’s Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Development Cluster, Councillor Philisiwe Ndlovu, emphasized the significance of the new air link for the city. Councillor Ndlovu noted that this development would not only simplify business and leisure travel but would also strengthen Durban’s reputation as a resilient and sustainable gateway into Africa. The new flight route is seen as a vital step in expanding Durban’s aviation and tourism industries, both of which play an essential role in the region’s economy.

Economic Growth for the Province

Dube TradePort CEO and Durban Direct co-chair, Hamish Erskine, also expressed enthusiasm about the direct flight route. Erskine referred to the planned Réunion route as a “game-changer” for the province. Additionally, he mentioned the long-anticipated return of direct flights from Durban to Mauritius, which further underscores the significance of this development.

For the province, the prospect of enhanced air connectivity to popular Indian Ocean destinations is viewed as an exciting opportunity to boost tourism, improve trade relations, and foster investment opportunities.

Launch of Direct Flights from King Shaka International Airport

The direct flights from King Shaka International Airport to Réunion will begin operating on February 26, 2026, marking the official start of this new international air link. The service is expected to become a significant catalyst for both Durban and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region, bringing increased visibility and international attention to the area.

With the addition of direct flights to Réunion and the potential return of the Durban-Mauritius route, Durban is well on its way to becoming an increasingly important hub for regional travel in the Indian Ocean region.

Conclusion: A Key Development for Durban’s Growth

The introduction of direct flights from Durban to the Indian Ocean island in 2026 represents an exciting and transformative moment for the city’s economy. This new air link is expected to drive growth in the tourism, trade, and export sectors, benefiting local industries and enhancing the global profile of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as a whole.

As Durban prepares to welcome the first flights, the broader impact on regional connectivity, trade, and tourism is expected to be profound. This new development aligns with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and establish Durban as a sustainable and resilient gateway for international travel and commerce.