Expected to begin at the end of this year, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba lauded the decision.

“We warmly welcome this decision by Ethiopian Airlines,” he stated.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi, added, “The launch of the Durban-Addis Ababa route marks a major milestone for KwaZulu-Natal and reinforces our position as a key gateway into Africa.

“Air connectivity is a critical enabler of economic growth, and this new service creates significant opportunities for tourism, air freight, and investment.”

The new direct Durban-Addis Ababa flights will commence in December.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk