KING SHAKA AIRPORT | GUIDE TO KING SHAKA AIRPORT (DUR)

Durban International Airport was a big airport in South Africa that served Durban and the surrounding area. The Durban International Airport opened in 1951, and it quickly became the third busiest airport in South Africa. The airport was in the southern part of Durban, near the city center or the harbor.

The Durban International Airport closed in 2010 because the new King Shaka International Airport, 35 kilometers north of Durban, was ready to use. There were two runways and one terminal building at Durban International Airport. Both domestic and international flights could use the airport. The airport could have served as many as 7.5 million customers every year.

South African Airways (SAA) and its regional branch, SA Express, flew in and out of Durban International Airport. SAA and SA Express were not the only airlines that flew to and from Durban International Airport. British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways also flew there and back. There were many services for travelers at Durban King Shaka International Airport, such as restaurants, shops, and places to rent cars. The airport was acclaimed for its original architecture, embracing modern style with traditional Zulu components.

The airport was an important part of South Africa's aviation history and will always be remembered as a critical point in the country's transportation history. The airport has a variety of services that make it easier for people to travel.

Free wifi, currency exchange, banking, ATMs, duty-free shopping, and many restaurants and cafes serve local and international food. There are also lounges for people traveling in business and first class and sleeping pods for people who need to clean up or rest before their flights. The airport also has many ways to get around, such as car rentals, shuttle services, and taxis, which makes it easy for people to get where they need to go.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Durban International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Durban International Airport
• See live flight departures information at Durban International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Durban International Airport

Transfer Services at Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport is a gateway to South Africa, providing travelers with various transfer services. The airport has something for everyone, from shuttle services to taxis, car rental services, and private transfers.

Shuttle services are the most economical way to reach your destination, while taxis provide a more personalized experience. Car rental services offer convenience and flexibility regarding routes and goals, while private transfers give the highest comfort and luxury.

No matter which transfer option you avail of at Durban International Airport, you can rest assured that your journey to your destination will be safe and efficient.v

Rental Car Services at Durban International Airport

Various car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Eurocar, Hertz, First Car Rental, and Tempest Car Hire, are available at Durban International Airport.

Car rental companies offer a selection of vehicles, ranging from budget-friendly models to luxurious options. Customers may reserve their choice of vehicle in advance, either online or by phoning the business. Though it is possible to rent a car at the airport after your arrival, it is always wise to book in advance to obtain the desired vehicle and prevent any last-minute complications. See and compare all rental car companies at Durban International Airport.

A valid driver's license, passport, and credit card are required for renting a car at Durban International Airport. This is necessary to ensure the security deposit is taken care of. It is strongly advised that you consider the insurance options provided by the rental company and tailor them to your needs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations before driving in South Africa.

Taxi Service and Ridesharing Apps at Durban International Airport

There are multiple taxi services available at Durban King Shaka International Airport that customers can avail of to reach their desired destination. Metered taxis are an excellent option for those traveling from the airport. Taxis are easy to find at the Arrivals Terminal. The fare is based on the distance traveled, shown on the taxi's meter. Airport shuttles provide access to and from public transportation at Durban International Airport.

These shuttles offer an economical and convenient form of transport, as they have a fixed timetable and various stops around the city. Thanks to Uber, Durban citizens can now quickly and affordably travel around the city. See more information about taxis at Durban International Airport.

You only need an Uber app on your smartphone and can request a ride. Plus, payment for the trip can be made via credit card or PayPal account. Bolt is a reliable ride-hailing service accessible in Durban, which allows you to request rides and pay with a credit card. This solution functions similarly to Uber, providing individuals with an effective method of transportation.

Negotiating and agreeing on the fare before taking a taxi is essential to prevent misconceptions or disputes. It is suggested that you use licensed taxi services for your protection.

Bus Service at Durban International Airport

Different bus services take people from Durban King Shaka International Airport to their destinations around the city. The following are some of the bus services that operate at the airport. MyCiTi Bus from the Durban King Shaka International Airport is a reliable service that goes to many places in the city. The buses are air-conditioned, and the service is available seven days a week. You can purchase your ticket at the airport or through the MyCiTi Bus app. More information about buses to and from Durban International Airport.

Baz Bus is a transport option that allows travelers to hop on and off buses along the popular backpacking route from Johannesburg to Cape Town. InterCape Bus, a long-distance bus service that stops at Durban International Airport, transports passengers to several hostels and backpacker lodgings in the city.

This service can be accessed throughout South Africa. City-to-City Bus offers long-distance bus service from Durban International Airport to different places in South Africa. All buses are equipped with air conditioning and reclining seats, and the service is available every day of the week. Buses are equipped with air-conditioning, and the public transport service runs on all days of the week. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, check the bus schedules and prices at Durban King Shaka International Airport before you leave. This will help you plan and prepare in advance.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Durban International Airport

A few hotels near Durban King Shaka International Airport offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Some hotels are the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, the Hilton Durban, and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward. You can call these hotels directly to ask about their shuttle services and set up pick-up and drop-off times. You can also check with the airport's information desk or go to the airport's website to learn how to get around.

Parking Services at Durban International Airport

King Shaka International Airport provides several parking options for travelers. King Shaka International Airport has 1540 undercover parking bays in the multi-story parkade (MSP) and 4960 shaded parking bays. In addition, there are 40 parking bays for arrivals pick-up parking and a dedicated car rental car park close to the passenger terminal. Other parking services available at the airport include meet and greet parking service offered by Durban Parking Services and Park and Ride service provided by Looking4.com.

See more information about short and long term parking at Durban International Airport.

Other Services at Durban International Airport

Passengers can use many services at Durban King Shaka International Airport, such as banks and currency exchange, a pharmacy, a post office, a KZN Tourism information center, ATMs, mobile phone stores, book stores, grocery stores, retail stores, and restaurants.

Disabled Services at Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport has implemented various services and amenities to benefit its disabled clientele. These include: Passengers who require a wheelchair can request this service either from their airline or at the information desk located in the terminal building.

The airport offers unique reserved parking locations for people with disabilities. These spots are conveniently close to the terminal building, making it easier for them to get to and from the airport.

Physically-challenged passengers can find lavatories readily available throughout the terminal of the airport. The airport provides a special assistance lounge specifically designed for disabled passengers. This lounge offers an atmosphere of quiet and comfort, allowing those with disabilities to wait for their flights in peace.

Passengers with disabilities and their assistance dogs can enter the terminal building when traveling. The airport has installed hearing loops within the terminal structure to support auditory-impaired passengers. People who have trouble hearing can find out about their flights with the help of visual paging at the airport.

People with disabilities should inform their airline about their needs before their flight to make the proper arrangements.

Wifi Services at Durban International Airport

At the Durban King Shaka International Airport, you can use the free wifi for up to 4 hours or 1GB, whichever comes first. Once the free limit has been reached, you can buy more services on a "pay as you go" basis. The wifi network is called "Airports Free," Registration requires an email address and contact number. At the Tourist Information desk, you can also use the internet.

Baggage Claim at Durban International Airport

At Durban King Shaka International Airport, you get your bags on the ground floor of the terminal building. After getting off the plane and going through immigration and customs, passengers can go to the baggage claim area to get their checked bags.

In the area where you get your bags, conveyor belts move the bags from the plane to the terminal building. Passengers can find their bags by looking at their tags when they check-in. The bag labels have a unique code matching the passenger's flight and seat numbers.

After getting their bags off the conveyor belt, passengers can go to the customs area to have their bags checked. After going through customs, travelers can leave the terminal building and continue their trip.

Passengers are told to keep their baggage claim tags safe because they need them to get their bags. If passengers' luggage is lost or broken, they should go to the airline's baggage service desk for help.

Information Desks at Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport's terminal contains multiple information desks. Airport officials can help passengers at these desks.

The terminal's main information desk is near baggage claim in the arrivals section. This desk answers airport services, flight schedules, transportation, and more.

The airport has various information kiosks beside the main desk. At check-in counters and departure gates, these kiosks offer similar services to the main desk. The airport's website, mobile apps, and social media outlets provide information for passengers.

Durban King Shaka International Airport is well-equipped to help passengers navigate the airport and have a pleasant trip.

Smoking Areas at Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport has designated smoking areas for passengers who wish to smoke. Under South African law, smoking is prohibited in other areas of the terminal building.

The smoking areas are outside the terminal building, near the departures and arrivals areas. Passengers can follow the signs and directions to reach these areas. They are equipped with ashtrays and seating areas for passenger convenience.

It's important to note that smoking is prohibited on board any flights departing from Durban King Shaka International Airport. Passengers wishing to smoke on their journey should do so before boarding their flight or during any airport stopovers that permit smoking.

The airport also provides information and resources to help passengers quit smoking, including brochures and contact information for support services.

Lost and Found at Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport has a Lost & Found facility to help passengers collect any belongings they may have lost in the airport terminal or on board their trip.

If you lose something at the airport, call the Lost and Found office to let them know. The Lost & Found office is located in the arrivals part of the terminal building, near the baggage claim area.

When reporting a lost item, be careful to offer as much detail as possible, such as the date, time, and location where the item was lost, a description of the article, and your contact information.

If your lost item is located, the Lost and Found staff will contact you to arrange its return. You may be needed to produce identity and evidence of ownership before the item is released to you.

Knowing that the airport is not responsible for things lost on board an airplane is vital. Travelers should contact their airline's Lost & Found department for assistance in reclaiming any items lost on their flight.

Restrooms at Durban International Airport

The terminal at Durban King Shaka International Airport has modern, clean restrooms. The airport has bathrooms near the departures and arrivals areas and across the concourse. The restrooms have toilets, sinks, and hand dryers and are cleaned routinely to maintain hygiene. Wheelchair-accessible stalls and grab bars are available. The airport includes baby-changing rooms for parents with young children. The male and female restrooms have to change tables and diaper disposal devices.

ATMs and Currency Exchange at Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport has several ATMs and cash machines, including those operated by Standard Banks and Bidvest Bank Rennies Foreign Exchange. These are located at various areas within the airport, including the arrivals level and the landside arrivals area. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport.

Shops and Restaurants at Durban International Airport

There are a lot of shops and restaurants to choose from at Durban King Shaka International Airport. Passengers can choose from various food, drinks, and shopping options to suit their tastes and budgets.

There are fast food places like KFC, Wimpy, and Steers and restaurants where you can sit down, like Ocean Basket and Spur. There are places like Mugg & Bean and Starbucks for people who want a light snack or coffee.

Passengers can shop at various stores selling clothing, electronics, books, etc. Relay, iStore, and Big Five Duty-Free are all popular stores. There are also many souvenir shops at the airport where people can buy gifts and other souvenirs to take home.

Overall, there are a lot of places to eat and shop at Durban King Shaka International Airport so that people can make the most of their time there.

History of Durban International Airport

Durban King Shaka International Airport replaced Durban International Airport as the primary airport for Durban, South Africa, in 2010. The airport was in the city of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been open for more than 60 years.

During World War II, the airport was built in the late 1940s as a military airfield. It opened to the public in 1951. Over the years, the airport has had some improvements and expansions to accommodate the growing number of passengers and airlines that use it.

Durban International Airport was a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Each year, it served millions of people. It was also a central hub for trade and tourism in the area, with many businesses relying on the airport to get their goods and services to their customers.

At the beginning of the 2000s, plans were made to replace Durban International Airport with a larger, more modern airport to meet the growing demand for air travel in the area. King Shaka International Airport was built on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It opened in May 2010 and became the region's main airport, replacing Durban International Airport.

Today, the area that used to be Durban International Airport is called Durban Aerotropolis. It is a mixed-use precinct with residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The precinct also hosts the Durban ICC, a world-class convention center hosting big events and conferences year-round.

About Durban, South Africa

Durban is the most populous city with approximately 3.8 million people - after Johannesburg and Cape Town. This area is in KwaZulu-Natal, which is in the east of South Africa. It has a subtropical climate; the summers are hot and humid, while the winters are mild. Durban is renowned for its scenic beaches, notably the Golden Mile. It is a favorite attraction for both visitors and locals alike.

South Africa's largest port is located in the city, making it a major regional trade and commerce player. Durban is celebrated for its disparate cultural ancestry, reflected not only in the city's food, music, and fashion but also in its large Indian population. Durban is renowned for its tourist attractions, such as the uShaka Marine World aquarium, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the Durban Botanic Gardens. These places draw many visitors from all over the world every year.

Durban is an increasingly sought-after destination for worldwide conventions & events. The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) has gained recognition as a top-tier facility and has hosted important events, including the COP17 climate change conference in 2011. Durban is well known for its active nightlife, with many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to explore. The city also has a strong sporting culture, with cricket, rugby, and soccer popular amongst locals and visitors.

The beautiful city of Durban is the gateway to the rest of the KwaZulu-Natal province. Home to stunning natural attractions such as the Drakensberg Mountains, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Durban is a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and unspoiled landscapes.

Durban, South Africa, has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. High temperatures characterize the weather in this area during the summer period, and more favorable conditions in winter.

Durban generally enjoys a warm and pleasant climate throughout the year. The warmest and most humid months are usually during the summertime, so travelers should bring appropriate clothing. Additionally, there may be occasional rain showers which would require lightweight, breathable layers.

The optimal season to visit Durban, South Africa, is between March to May and September to November, as the climate is mild and enjoyable. In the fall and spring, temperatures become more comfortable with warm days and cooler evenings. Additionally, precipitation is usually lower during this period than in the summer.

During the summer (December to February), temperatures can be quite high, accompanied by humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Therefore, visitors should plan accordingly and pack lightweight, airy clothing. It is also wise to be prepared for the possibility of rain.

Useful Contact Information

Here are some useful emergency contact numbers in Durban, South Africa:

• Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department: 10111 or 112 (these numbers are toll-free from any phone)
• Netcare 911 (Private Emergency Medical Services): 082 911 or 082 911
• Durban Poison Centre (for poison-related emergencies): 0800 333 444
• Lifeline (24-hour crisis helpline): 0861 322 322
• South African National Parks (emergency hotline for national parks): 0800 205 005
• Road Traffic Management Corporation (for road-related emergencies): 0861 400 800
• Eskom (for power-related emergencies): 0860 037 566
• Water and Sanitation (for water-related emergencies): 080 131 3013
• Animal Anti-Cruelty League (for animal-related emergencies): 031 579 6500
• Sea Rescue (for marine-related emergencies): 082 911
• It's always a good idea to save these emergency numbers in your phone or keep them in a prominent place in case of an emergency.

Durban King Shaka International Airport Contacts

Address: 4407, King Shaka Drive, LA MERCY, 4405, SOUTH AFRICA

Information: 032-436-6585

Cargo Customer Service: +27 10 880 3631

Lost and Found: +27 (0)32 436 6644

Customer Assistance: 032-436-6758

Website: https://kingshakainternational.co.za/

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 230V/50GHz

Plug Type: D, M, N

Time at Airport: South Africa

Currency: South African Rand

Language: Zulu, English, and Xhosa

Wifi At the Airport: Everyone has access to free wifi for a limited time. Passengers can sign up for the wifi network by choosing "Airports@vast" and following the instructions on the screen. After signing up, users will get a username and password to let them use the wifi network for a limited time. For longer access times, there are also paid wifi options that cost money. Passengers can ask at the airport's information desk or with one of the airport's service providers about these options.