Durban’s travel and business stakeholders believe the resumption of air services between Lusaka and Durban will strengthen business links and boost tourism between South Africa and Zambia.
The ProFlight Zambia service started on Thursday, April 6, and will operate on Thursdays, with Sunday flights being introduced on April 16.
In 2021 and 2022 travel between the two destinations saw growth of 38%.
"As the government of KwaZulu Natal, we are pleased to welcome these air services flown by ProFlight Zambia. This new air service will undoubtedly play a role in strengthening the business links between the two destinations, especially considering that there are already many companies operating in both Zambia and South Africa. The improved air connectivity will make it easier for businesses to travel between the two countries, facilitating even greater trade and investment,” said Siboniso Duma, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the leader of Government Business in KwaZulu Natal.
He added that the new route would also provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, with Zambia and South Africa both being popular tourist destinations. Zambia is known for its wildlife, natural beauty and adventure activities, while KwaZulu Natal is famous for its beaches, arts and entertainment.
Mayor of eThekwini, Mxolisi Kaunda, was equally upbeat about the new route. “We are thrilled to have ProFlight flying back to Durban. As the tourism industry is gradually recovering, the resumption of these air services facilitates greater leisure and business travel into Durban. Growing intra-Africa travel is also a key component of our broader strategy to ensure competitiveness, which is further enabled by the addition of this air connectivity.
“We're committed to growing our involvement in Durban Direct – through which we were able to acquire these new flights – in order to grow our programme of attracting new air services into the city.”
The launch of the new air service is also expected to create job opportunities in both Zambia and South Africa. As more tourists and business travellers visit the two destinations, there will be increased demand for hospitality and service industry jobs.
ProFlight’s flights leave Lusaka on a Thursday and Sunday (from April 16) at 09h00 and arrive at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport at 11h30. Flights leave Durban on the same days at 12h30 and arrive in Lusaka at 15h00.
