King Shaka International Airport Guide
King Shaka International Airport opened on 1 May 2010, replacing the former Durban International Airport. It sits in La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, 35 km north of Durban city centre. The airport is operated by Airports Company South Africa and is the third busiest airport in South Africa, handling over 5.6 million passengers in the 2025-26 financial year.
The airport has a single integrated passenger terminal spanning 102,000 m² across two levels, with arrivals on the lower floor and departures above. Separate domestic and international security checkpoints feed into their respective departure lounges. Domestic carriers FlySafair, Airlink, CemAir, LIFT, and South African Airways connect Durban to Johannesburg and Cape Town. International services include Emirates to Dubai, Qatar Airways to Doha, and Turkish Airlines to Istanbul.
The airport is positioned within Dube Tradeport, a special economic zone combining air cargo, logistics, and industrial facilities. Its single runway measures 3,700 m. The location north of Durban provides convenient access to the Ballito and uMhlanga coastal corridor as well as the broader KwaZulu-Natal tourism market.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 21 listed options at King Shaka International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for King Shaka International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 5.6M passengers (2026)1 runwayopened 2010
- Location
- -29.614, 31.120
- Operator
- Airports Company South Africa
- Links
- Wikipedia ↗
Terminals
1 terminalKing Shaka International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Passenger Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 8 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Passenger TerminalMixed
FlySafair, Airlink, South African Airways, CemAir, LIFT, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
Nearby cities
3 citiesKing Shaka International Airport is closest to uMhlanga (20.2 km south), and also serves Ballito, Durban and other nearby areas. With 3 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Durban39.8 km south
- Ballito28.2 km north
- uMhlanga20.2 km south
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the airport codes for King Shaka International Airport?
Where is King Shaka International Airport located?
Where is King Shaka International Airport located?
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What services are available at King Shaka International Airport?
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