Cheap Flights to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

King Shaka International Airport (IATA: DUR, ICAO: FALE) is the primary international airport serving Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal province — South Africa’s third-busiest airport, behind OR Tambo and Cape Town International. Located in La Mercy, approximately 35 kilometres north of the Durban city centre, the airport sits within the Dube TradePort special economic zone, a 2,600-hectare integrated aerotropolis that combines aviation, logistics, perishables export, warehousing, and business investment.

The airport opened on 1 May 2010, officially launched by former President Jacob Zuma, replacing the ageing Durban International Airport which had operated since 1951. Built at a cost of approximately R6.8 billion, it was designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners and purpose-built with a 3.7 km runway capable of handling the world’s largest commercial aircraft including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 — something its predecessor could not accommodate due to its shorter runway and surrounding urban development. KSIA uses the same IATA code (DUR) as the old Durban International Airport.

King Shaka International Airport handled 5.6 million passengers in 2025/26, reaching 92% of its pre-pandemic passenger levels and continuing a steady year-on-year recovery. At full capacity, the airport can handle up to 7.5 million passengers annually. It was voted Best Regional Airport in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards, and ranked 4th Best Airport in Africa and in the global top ten for airports handling 5–10 million passengers at the 2026 Skytrax awards. ACSA’s R21.7 billion infrastructure investment programme includes upgrades at King Shaka to support continued growth.

Popular flight routes to King Shaka International Airport include Johannesburg to Durban, Cape Town to Durban, Lanseria to Durban, Nelspruit to Durban and East London to Durban.

King Shaka International Airport offers a well-rounded selection of shops, services, and dining options across its terminal — enough to keep travellers comfortably occupied during layovers or while waiting for a flight.

Shops at King Shaka International Airport include: clothing retailers, jewellers, bookshops and magazines, souvenir and gift stores, duty-free outlets (airside, in international departures), and a range of convenience and travel essentials.

Services at King Shaka International Airport include: banks and ATMs, foreign exchange bureaus, a post office, pharmacy, and cellular shops. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

Food and drink at DUR: The airport has a range of cafés, restaurants, and fast food outlets serving both domestic and international departures areas, offering South African cuisine alongside familiar franchise options.

Duty-free shopping is available airside in the international departures terminal. Always check your airline’s baggage restrictions and your destination’s duty-free allowances before purchasing, and note that most shops are not accessible once you have cleared security.

King Shaka International Airport offers a solid range of passenger lounges and facilities, with options available to both frequent flyers and general passengers willing to pay for lounge access.

Lounges at King Shaka International Airport (Departures Terminal):

• Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge — open to all passengers for an entrance fee. Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, work areas, TV, newspapers, flight monitors, and shower facilities.
• Umphafa Premium Lounge — also open to all paying passengers, offering a comfortable pre-flight environment with similar amenities.
• South African Airways Baobab Premium Lounge — available to SAA business class passengers and qualifying frequent flyer members.
• SLOW Lounge (British Airways) — available to qualifying BA passengers and select cardholders.

General facilities at King Shaka International Airport include:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• ATMs and banking facilities
• Foreign exchange bureaus
• Pharmacy
• Medical facilities
• Porter services
• Chapel and Muslim prayer room
• Disabled access and facilities throughout
• Car rental desks (all major companies)
• Arrivals pick-up facility

ACSA’s R21.7 billion investment programme includes terminal upgrades at King Shaka, with new check-in counters, baggage handling improvements, and pier developments planned to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience in the coming years.

Accommodation near King Shaka International Airport caters to a range of budgets, with several options a short drive from the terminal and many more along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

Eden Rose Manor

This well-appointed 3-star guesthouse is a 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport, set in a peaceful garden environment. Amenities include a swimming pool, full breakfast, housekeeping, air conditioning, a library, and an airport shuttle service. Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking are included.

Fairlight Beach House

This charming 4-star bed and breakfast is situated right on the beach, just a 15-minute drive from the airport — ideal for travellers wanting to wake up to the Indian Ocean. Amenities include a swimming pool and parking. Complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby is included. A memorable alternative to a standard airport hotel.

The Royal Sibaya Hotel

This 4-star hotel and spa is a 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport and forms part of the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom. Facilities include a casino, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, swimming pool, nightclub, and garden. Childcare services, 24-hour reception, housekeeping, and laundry service are all available. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are included.

Foreign exchange services are available at King Shaka International Airport for departing and arriving passengers. Most exchange bureaus in South Africa allow you to purchase foreign currency up to 60 days before your departure date.

The following documents are required to obtain foreign exchange in South Africa:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets and accommodation bookings)
• An original ID document or temporary resident permit
• Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old)

ATMs from major South African banks are also located throughout the terminal for cash withdrawals in South African Rand.

King Shaka International Airport offers a range of safe and secure parking options to suit both short and long stays.

Parking options at King Shaka International Airport include:

• Premium multi-storey parking — covered parkade bays close to the terminal building, ideal for short stays and pickups
• Shaded parking — for longer stays, protecting your vehicle from the KwaZulu-Natal sun
• Long-stay carports — covered options for extended trips
• Arrivals pick-up facility — a designated drop-off and collection area outside the terminal

Both cash and credit card payments are accepted at the parking facilities. Pre-booking is recommended during peak travel periods, including the December/January holiday season, Easter, and school holidays when the KZN coast attracts high visitor numbers.