King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Durban, ZA 🇿🇦 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
FALE
IATA
DUR
Elevation
295 ft
Region
ZA-NL
Local Time
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GPS Code: FALE
Local Code: Not available
Location: -29.614444° N, 31.119722° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: La Mercy Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
King Shaka International Airport (FALE (DUR)) generally receives very positive traveler reviews, with a strong emphasis on its modern facilities, cleanliness, and efficient operations. The airport has been recognized globally and regionally for its high standards and user-friendly experience, with recent 2025 Skytrax awards ranking it as the Best Regional Airport in Africa and even 7th among the top 10 airports worldwide.
What Travelers Love
- Modern Design and Cleanliness: Travelers consistently praise the airport's remarkable design, spacious terminals, and impeccable cleanliness throughout all facilities, including restrooms.
- Efficient Processes: Check-in, security, and immigration are generally described as smooth and efficient, with modest queue times. Staff are often highlighted as friendly and professional.
- Good Facilities & Amenities (Landside): The airport offers a good variety of shops and restaurants (especially landside), free Wi-Fi, information desks, baggage wrapping, medical services, prayer rooms, ATMs, and currency exchange.
- Organized Parking: Parking facilities are well-organized and conveniently located close to the terminal, with options including multi-storey, shaded parking, and meet-and-greet services. A new arrivals pick-up parking facility offers a 20-minute free dwell time.
Common Complaints
- Limited International Departures Lounge Facilities: Some travelers note a lack of variety in restaurants and shops in the international departures lounge after immigration, with limited facilities near the gates.
- Public Transport Limitations: The airport lacks established public transport links, which is seen as a limiting factor by some. The airport is also considered a bit far from the city center.
- Isolated Security Incidents: There have been isolated reports of jewellery or items being taken from handbags during security screening.
- Slow Wi-Fi (for some): While Wi-Fi is available, some reviews mention it can be slow.
Overall, King Shaka International Airport stands out as a top-tier regional airport in Africa, offering a positive and efficient travel experience for most passengers. While improvements in international airside amenities and public transport links could enhance the experience further, its modern infrastructure and high service standards contribute to strong traveler satisfaction.
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Airport Routes
King Shaka International Airport (DUR) offers 23 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Safair, Global Aviation, South African Airways and others. Popular destinations from Durban include OR Tambo Int'l, Cape Town Int'l, Port Elizabeth, Kruger Mpumalanga Int'l and Lanseria.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- OR Tambo Int'l (JNB) 8
- Cape Town Int'l (CPT) 3
- Port Elizabeth (PLZ) 2
- Kruger Mpumalanga Int'l (MQP) 1
- Lanseria (HLA) 1
- Sir Seretse Khama Int'l (GBE) 1
- King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) 1
- Maputo Int'l (MPM) 1
- Harare International (HRE) 1
- Bloemfontein (BFN) 1
- Dubai Int'l (DXB) 1
- East London (ELS) 1
Newly Discovered
- OR Tambo Int'l (JNB) new
- Harare International (HRE) new
- Cape Town Int'l (CPT) new
- Kruger Mpumalanga Int'l (MQP) new
- Bloemfontein (BFN) new
- Lanseria (HLA) new
- Port Elizabeth (PLZ) new
- Maputo Int'l (MPM) new
- George (GRJ) new
- Dubai Int'l (DXB) new
- East London (ELS) new
- King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at King Shaka International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safair
SFR
/ FA
|
5 | 594 | 5 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
Global Aviation
GBB
/ GE
|
2 | 133 | 2 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
South African Airways
SAA
/ SA
|
1 | 119 | 1 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
South African Airlink
LNK
/ 4Z
|
4 | 109 | 4 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
CemAir
KEM
/ 5Z
|
4 | 71 | 4 | Feb 3, 2026 |
SunExpress
SXS
/ XQ
|
1 | 23 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Qatar Airways
QTR
/ QR
|
1 | 8 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Emirates
UAE
/ EK
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
Eswatini Air
SZL
/ RN
|
1 | 4 | 1 | Oct 24, 2025 |
Turkish Airlines
THY
/ TK
|
1 | 4 | 1 | Oct 24, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06/24 |
12139 ft | 197 ft | Asphalt | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| DURBAN Approach | - | 125.75 MHz |
| KING SHAKA ATIS | - | 127.0 MHz |
| KING SHAKA INT. | KING SHAKA INT. Tower | 118.45 MHz |
| KING SHAKA INT. | - | 121.65 MHz |
| VOT TGV | - | 115.6 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official, metered airport taxis are available 24/7 from the taxi rank located directly outside the arrivals terminal. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt also operate from the airport, with designated pick-up zones. For safety, it is recommended to only use official taxis or reputable app-based services.
Rental Cars
Major car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, and Sixt, have service desks inside the arrivals terminal. Vehicles can be collected from and returned to the dedicated rental car parkade, which is a short walk from the terminal. Pre-booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Public Transportation
Public transport is primarily limited to private shuttle bus services. Several companies offer pre-booked transfers to major hotels and key destinations in Durban, Umhlanga, and the surrounding coastal areas. There is no direct public city bus or train service connecting the airport to the city center.
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