King Shaka International Airport
Encyclopedia
King Shaka International Airport, also known as La Mercy Airport (after the area in which it is situated) and abbreviated as KSIA, is the primary airport
serving Durban
, South Africa
. Located at La Mercy, approximately 35 kilometres (21.7 mi) north of the city centre of Durban
, it opened its doors to passengers on May 1, 2010, just over a month before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
. It replaced the existing Durban International Airport
which was decommissioned. The airport was designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners and cost R6.8 billion.
Although a larger airport to the Durban area (KSIA) was built to grow in International services, King Shaka International is still a key airport to Domestic services throughout South Africa, and serves the "Golden Triangle" between Cape Town International, OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, and King Shaka itself, with 7 different airlines serving the network.
King Shaka International Airport is the 9th busiest airport in Africa according to 2010 statistics, after Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
in Nairobi, Kenya.
The airport forms part of the Dube Tradeport, which will additionally consist of a trade zone linked to the airport's cargo terminal, facilities to support the airport such as nearby offices and transit accommodation for tourists, an integrated agricultural export zone and an IT platform.
The largest aircraft KSIA has scheduled services for is the A330-200, with Emirates operating Dubai-Durban, but KSIA's runway length, and terminal can accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
The project was revived in the late 1990s when the limitations of Durban International Airport
became apparent. The airport's 2400 m (7,874 ft) runway was too short to allow large aircraft such as the Boeing 747
to operate intercontinental routes out of Durban
; the resulting decrease in international air traffic caused Durban to become marginalised with respect to Johannesburg
and Cape Town
. Upgrading Durban International Airport was considered, however, a study published in 2007 found that the existing airport would still have serious constraints and would reach its maximum potential by 2025, after which there would be no choice but to develop KSIA. It was also found that it would be 95% more expensive to operate Durban International Airport to its full potential and only then develop KSIA, than it would be to develop KSIA immediately. However, disputes between the Airports Company South Africa
(ACSA) and the Dube Tradeport firm (which is backed by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government) stalled the project until national transport minister Jeff Radebe
intervened to jumpstart the project in 2004.
The project was then hit by a tender war between the Illembe consortium (led by Group Five and Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon) and the Indiza consortium (led by Grinaker-LTA). Both consortia prequalified for the tender in April 2006; however, the tender was awarded to the Illembe consortium, with the Indiza consortium not being considered for failing to meet certain tender requirements. The Indiza group appealed the decision, claiming that the correct tender process had not been followed and that their bid had been unfairly excluded; however, their legal challenge was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in February 2007.
The final obstacle was a delay in the approval of the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The EIA was eventually approved in August 2007; conditions attached being the appointment of an environmental control officer, issues of access from the nearby N2
freeway, and fauna and flora issues; in particular, the impact of construction and airport operations on a nearby colony of barn swallows.
Construction of the airport commenced on August 24, 2007, immediately after the approval of the EIA. Construction progressed steadily throughout the next two years, with operational testing of the airport beginning in December 2009. The airport handled its first flights on May 1, 2010.
It is unclear what the fate of the existing Durban International Airport
will be now that KSIA is complete. While it was originally expected that the airport would be decommissioned and the site (in a prime industrial area) would be redeveloped, possibly as a dug-out port serving nearby automotive assembly and components factories, Comair
has expressed interest in buying the existing airport and operating it as an alternative, secondary airport.
, described the naming process as urgent, stating that "pilots cannot fly to a place with no name". Public hearings on the naming of the airport began at the beginning of November 2009, with most attendees favouring "King Shaka International Airport" as the new airport's name.
On December 8, 2009, it was reported that "King Shaka International Airport" was indeed the most popular name for the new airport. The airport name was approved by the South African Geographical Names Council
on January 14, 2010, and became official on February 2, 2010 when the Minister of Arts and Culture
gave final approval to the name.
The airport is named after Shaka
, leader of the Zulu nation
in the early 19th century.
. The airport precinct is bordered by the M43 to the north, the Mdloti River to the south, the R102 to the west, and the N2
freeway to the east.
Neighbouring communities are Tongaat
to the north-west, Verulam
to the south-west, and Umdloti
to the south-east; notable communities further afield are Umhlanga
to the south and Ballito
to the north. These communities are generally opposed to the airport on the grounds of noise; recommendations for mitigation of their concerns were however made in the project's Environmental Impact Report.
. The roughly 250 m² (299 sq yd) reed bed where the birds roost is directly underneath the approach path to Runway 06; when the airport was announced, there were fears that the reed bed would be destroyed due to the perceived threat of bird strike
s, creating concern amongst environmentalists.
As a result of all of these concerns, a study into the risks of bird strike
s at KSIA was commissioned, with special attention being paid to the barn swallows
at Mount Moreland. The study showed that the early morning dispersals of swallows generally happen before any scheduled arrivals and departures (earlier than 06:00), with the late afternoon swarms taking place below the airport approach path with only 5% of birds protruding into the approach paths for a very short time (around 10 minutes). It was also noted that larger bird species, flying at higher altitudes, would pose more of a risk to aircraft than the swallows; such species already being a risk at Durban International Airport
. The study concluded that it would definitely be possible for the airport and swallows to co-exist; proposed risk mitigation measures included curtailing flight movements during the afternoon swarm, setting the glide slope approach
to Runway 06 to 3.2 or 3.5 degrees rather than the standard 3 degrees, and the installation of a radar system
that would monitor bird movements and be integrated into the operational plan of the airport.
In response to the study, ACSA
contracted De-Tect Inc. to install a radar system
that would monitor all bird activity around KSIA, notifying air traffic control
lers of any dangers to aircraft. The radar system arrived in January 2009 and is currently collecting data to be used for when the airport is operational.
, is as follows:
The check-in concourse, located on the upper floor, contains 72 check-in counters and 18 self-service kiosks, as well as ticket offices for the various airlines operating out of the airport. Passengers then pass through the security checkpoint, segregated between domestic and international passengers, before proceeding to the departure lounges and the boarding gates. The airport has 34 aircraft parking bays and 16 jet bridges; four of the jet bridges (gates A20-A23) can be grouped into two to handle two Code F aircraft (e.g. an Airbus A380
) or can singly handle four Code C aircraft (e.g. an Airbus A320
or Boeing 737
), with the remainder being capable of handling one Code C aircraft each.
Arrivals is located on the lower floor, with the baggage reclaim hall containing 5 conveyors that can be allocated between domestic and international use as is necessary. Most of the airport's retail is also located on the lower floor, as well as in an outdoor piazza area immediately outside the terminal building. Including retail in departure lounges, the airport has 52 retail outlets and 6500 m² (69,965.4 sq ft) of retail space.
The terminal does not have a public viewing deck, which has attracted public criticism. It has however been pointed out that viewing opportunities of the international terminal are available from the elevated departures drop-off road, as well as elsewhere in the airport precinct.
was appointed in August 2009 on a five-year contract as the cargo terminal operator.
The cargo terminal will form one component of the Dube Tradeport's Trade Zone Precinct, which will additionally be home to trade and logistics warehousing as well as cargo and light industry activities that require quick access to air cargo services, and will cover an area of 36 hectares.
One of the objectives of the cargo terminal is to recapture local air freight currently making use of OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
; it is estimated that KwaZulu-Natal
produces approximately 25,000 tonnes of air cargo which is currently transported by road to Johannesburg. The airport also has the advantage of sea level operation as opposed to Johannesburg's high altitude, and is also located in close proximity to Durban's port
, stated as being the busiest port in the southern hemisphere. The cargo terminal will initially have two Code F stands (being capable of accommodating freighter variants of the Airbus A380
), which can be expanded to ten in the long term.
King Shaka International Airport is in negotiations with British Airways (Comair) to start direct flights to London - Gatwick in the near future. Emirates Airlines are also planning on either adding a second daily flight or putting a larger plane on the Durban route due to demand.
and Cape Town International Airport
.
The following tables list passenger and air traffic statistics for King Shaka International Airport as published by Airports Company South Africa
. Statistics run between April and March the following year.
Notes: Statistics for 2010-2011 include operations at Durban International Airport
up to and including April 30, 2010. Comparisons are made with the previous reporting period's statistics at Durban International Airport.
freeway and the alternative R102 road, with the M65 linking the N2 at exit 195 and the R102 between Verulam
and Tongaat
with the airport. The M65 does not continue from the N2 interchange to the coastal M4
highway, necessitating M4 traffic to divert to the N2 using either the M27 if approaching from the south, or the M43 (Watson Highway) if approaching from the north; however, the airport's Environmental Impact Assessment recommended that the M65 should be extended to the M4 in the future should traffic volumes rise to the point where this would become necessary. Another notable road in the vicinity of the airport is the R614 from the Albert Falls
and Wartburg
areas, which terminates at the R102 in the northern outskirts of Tongaat
; users of the R614 access the airport via the R102.
The majority of routes to and from the airport via the N2
involve payment of a toll: traffic leaving the airport to the south (the direction of central Durban) must pass through the La Mercy Ramp Plaza located at the interchange of the N2 and M65, while traffic arriving at and leaving the airport from the north (the direction of Ballito) must pass through the mainline Tongaat Toll Plaza located at the interchange of the N2 and M43. Motorists arriving from the south along the N2 are not tolled, and the R102 acts as an untolled alternative route.The N2 S from the airport can lead to the M4 S, which leads directly into the city.
The airport contains 6,500 public parking bays, both in a short-term parkade and in a shaded medium-term parking area. Public road transport is provided by airport shuttle buses and metered taxis, which have been allocated their own pick-up and drop-off area adjacent to the terminal entrance to the international arrivals area.
along the North Coast runs close to the R102. Direct rail access has been provided for in the master plans, and is expected to be constructed after 2010 as part of the second phase of construction.
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
serving Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. Located at La Mercy, approximately 35 kilometres (21.7 mi) north of the city centre of Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
, it opened its doors to passengers on May 1, 2010, just over a month before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. It replaced the existing Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport was the international airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban.-History:...
which was decommissioned. The airport was designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners and cost R6.8 billion.
Although a larger airport to the Durban area (KSIA) was built to grow in International services, King Shaka International is still a key airport to Domestic services throughout South Africa, and serves the "Golden Triangle" between Cape Town International, OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, and King Shaka itself, with 7 different airlines serving the network.
King Shaka International Airport is the 9th busiest airport in Africa according to 2010 statistics, after Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
-Charter airlines:-Cargo airlines:-Other facilities:The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has its head office in the KAA Complex on the airport property. African Express Airways has its head office on the airport property...
in Nairobi, Kenya.
The airport forms part of the Dube Tradeport, which will additionally consist of a trade zone linked to the airport's cargo terminal, facilities to support the airport such as nearby offices and transit accommodation for tourists, an integrated agricultural export zone and an IT platform.
The largest aircraft KSIA has scheduled services for is the A330-200, with Emirates operating Dubai-Durban, but KSIA's runway length, and terminal can accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
Project conception and initial construction
King Shaka International Airport was first conceptualised in the 1970s, with construction beginning in 1973. By 1975, earthworks and a storm drainage system had been completed. However, the project was halted in 1982 due to the economic slowdown at the time.The project was revived in the late 1990s when the limitations of Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport was the international airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban.-History:...
became apparent. The airport's 2400 m (7,874 ft) runway was too short to allow large aircraft such as the Boeing 747
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a wide-body commercial airliner and cargo transport, often referred to by its original nickname, Jumbo Jet, or Queen of the Skies. It is among the world's most recognizable aircraft, and was the first wide-body ever produced...
to operate intercontinental routes out of Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
; the resulting decrease in international air traffic caused Durban to become marginalised with respect to Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
and Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
. Upgrading Durban International Airport was considered, however, a study published in 2007 found that the existing airport would still have serious constraints and would reach its maximum potential by 2025, after which there would be no choice but to develop KSIA. It was also found that it would be 95% more expensive to operate Durban International Airport to its full potential and only then develop KSIA, than it would be to develop KSIA immediately. However, disputes between the Airports Company South Africa
Airports Company South Africa
Airports Company of South Africa Limited operates ten of South Africa’s airports. Its head office is in The Maples Office Park in Bedfordview, Ekurhuleni.-History:...
(ACSA) and the Dube Tradeport firm (which is backed by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government) stalled the project until national transport minister Jeff Radebe
Jeff Radebe
Jeffrey Thamsanqa "Jeff" Radebe , is currently South Africa's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. He was born in Cato Manor, and lived there until 1958 when his family was forcibly removed to KwaMashu....
intervened to jumpstart the project in 2004.
The project was then hit by a tender war between the Illembe consortium (led by Group Five and Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon) and the Indiza consortium (led by Grinaker-LTA). Both consortia prequalified for the tender in April 2006; however, the tender was awarded to the Illembe consortium, with the Indiza consortium not being considered for failing to meet certain tender requirements. The Indiza group appealed the decision, claiming that the correct tender process had not been followed and that their bid had been unfairly excluded; however, their legal challenge was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in February 2007.
The final obstacle was a delay in the approval of the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The EIA was eventually approved in August 2007; conditions attached being the appointment of an environmental control officer, issues of access from the nearby N2
N2 (South Africa)
The N2 is a National Route in South Africa; it is the main highway along the Indian Ocean coast of the country. The N2 starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and runs through the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to end at Ermelo in...
freeway, and fauna and flora issues; in particular, the impact of construction and airport operations on a nearby colony of barn swallows.
Construction of the airport commenced on August 24, 2007, immediately after the approval of the EIA. Construction progressed steadily throughout the next two years, with operational testing of the airport beginning in December 2009. The airport handled its first flights on May 1, 2010.
It is unclear what the fate of the existing Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport was the international airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban.-History:...
will be now that KSIA is complete. While it was originally expected that the airport would be decommissioned and the site (in a prime industrial area) would be redeveloped, possibly as a dug-out port serving nearby automotive assembly and components factories, Comair
Comair (South Africa)
Comair is an airline based in South Africa. It operates scheduled services on domestic trunk routes as a British Airways franchisee and an affiliate member of the Oneworld airline alliance. Its main base is OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, with hubs at Cape Town International Airport...
has expressed interest in buying the existing airport and operating it as an alternative, secondary airport.
Naming process
Despite wide expectations that the airport would be named "King Shaka International Airport", it emerged in October 2009 that the airport needed to undergo a formal naming process. The former premier of KZN, S'bu NdebeleS'bu Ndebele
Sibusiso Joel "S'bu" Ndebele , is the current Minister of Transport in the Cabinet of South Africa...
, described the naming process as urgent, stating that "pilots cannot fly to a place with no name". Public hearings on the naming of the airport began at the beginning of November 2009, with most attendees favouring "King Shaka International Airport" as the new airport's name.
On December 8, 2009, it was reported that "King Shaka International Airport" was indeed the most popular name for the new airport. The airport name was approved by the South African Geographical Names Council
South African Geographical Names Council
The South African Geographical Names Council is the official government body of South Africa that advises the executive branch of the central government on new geographical names as well as the changing of existing geographical names.- Purpose of the Council :The Council was established by the...
on January 14, 2010, and became official on February 2, 2010 when the Minister of Arts and Culture
Minister of Arts and Culture (South Africa)
The Minister of Arts and Culture is a Minister of the Cabinet of South Africa who is responsible for overseeing the Department of Arts and Culture. The portfolio was created on 29 April 2004 on the appointment of the second Cabinet of President Thabo Mbeki, when the Arts, Culture, Science and...
gave final approval to the name.
The airport is named after Shaka
Shaka
Shaka kaSenzangakhona , also known as Shaka Zulu , was the most influential leader of the Zulu Kingdom....
, leader of the Zulu nation
Zulu Kingdom
The Zulu Kingdom, sometimes referred to as the Zulu Empire or, rather imprecisely, Zululand, was a monarchy in Southern Africa that extended along the coast of the Indian Ocean from the Tugela River in the south to Pongola River in the north....
in the early 19th century.
Location
The airport is located at La Mercy, approximately 35 kilometres (21.7 mi) north of DurbanDurban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
. The airport precinct is bordered by the M43 to the north, the Mdloti River to the south, the R102 to the west, and the N2
N2 (South Africa)
The N2 is a National Route in South Africa; it is the main highway along the Indian Ocean coast of the country. The N2 starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and runs through the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to end at Ermelo in...
freeway to the east.
Neighbouring communities are Tongaat
Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal
Tongaat is a sugarcane growing township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that is situated on the banks of the Tongati River about 37 km north of Durban and 28 km south of Stanger. It now forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban metropolitan area. Its population is predominantly people of...
to the north-west, Verulam
Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal
Verulam is a town 27 kilometres north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is now part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area.-History:In 1850 a party of 400 methodists settled here and formed the town. The town was then named after the Earl of Verulam, patron of the Brits who settled...
to the south-west, and Umdloti
Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal
Umdloti, , is a small resort town on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, South Africa that is situated at the mouth of the Mdloti River north of Durban and now forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban Metropolitan Municipality...
to the south-east; notable communities further afield are Umhlanga
Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
Umhlanga is a residential, commercial and resort town north of Durban on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, created in 2000, which includes the greater Durban area...
to the south and Ballito
Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal
Ballito is a holiday town located in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Ballito is about 40 kilometres north of Durban. Dolphins are common on this stretch of the North Coast shoreline known as the Dolphin Coast...
to the north. These communities are generally opposed to the airport on the grounds of noise; recommendations for mitigation of their concerns were however made in the project's Environmental Impact Report.
Mount Moreland barn swallows
Mount Moreland, a small community located 2.6 km (1.6 mi) south of the airport, is an important roosting site for the European Barn SwallowBarn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts, a long, deeply forked tail and curved, pointed wings. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas...
. The roughly 250 m² (299 sq yd) reed bed where the birds roost is directly underneath the approach path to Runway 06; when the airport was announced, there were fears that the reed bed would be destroyed due to the perceived threat of bird strike
Bird strike
A bird strike—sometimes called birdstrike, avian ingestion , bird hit, or BASH —is a collision between an airborne animal and a man-made vehicle, especially aircraft...
s, creating concern amongst environmentalists.
As a result of all of these concerns, a study into the risks of bird strike
Bird strike
A bird strike—sometimes called birdstrike, avian ingestion , bird hit, or BASH —is a collision between an airborne animal and a man-made vehicle, especially aircraft...
s at KSIA was commissioned, with special attention being paid to the barn swallows
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts, a long, deeply forked tail and curved, pointed wings. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas...
at Mount Moreland. The study showed that the early morning dispersals of swallows generally happen before any scheduled arrivals and departures (earlier than 06:00), with the late afternoon swarms taking place below the airport approach path with only 5% of birds protruding into the approach paths for a very short time (around 10 minutes). It was also noted that larger bird species, flying at higher altitudes, would pose more of a risk to aircraft than the swallows; such species already being a risk at Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport was the international airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban.-History:...
. The study concluded that it would definitely be possible for the airport and swallows to co-exist; proposed risk mitigation measures included curtailing flight movements during the afternoon swarm, setting the glide slope approach
Instrument Landing System
An instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument...
to Runway 06 to 3.2 or 3.5 degrees rather than the standard 3 degrees, and the installation of a radar system
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
that would monitor bird movements and be integrated into the operational plan of the airport.
In response to the study, ACSA
Airports Company South Africa
Airports Company of South Africa Limited operates ten of South Africa’s airports. Its head office is in The Maples Office Park in Bedfordview, Ekurhuleni.-History:...
contracted De-Tect Inc. to install a radar system
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
that would monitor all bird activity around KSIA, notifying air traffic control
Air traffic control
Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
lers of any dangers to aircraft. The radar system arrived in January 2009 and is currently collecting data to be used for when the airport is operational.
Aeronautical information
The aeronautical information for King Shaka International Airport, as published by the South African Civil Aviation AuthoritySouth African Civil Aviation Authority
The South African Civil Aviation Authority is the South African national aviation authority, overseeing civil aviation and governing investigations of aviation accidents and incidents. It is headquartered in the Midrand community of Johannesburg.-External links:* *...
, is as follows:
| Location | 29°36′42.38"S 31°11′03.53"E |
| Runways | 06/24 (true headings 037°/217°), 3700 metres (12,139.1 ft) |
| VHF Omnidirectional Range VHF omnidirectional range VOR, short for VHF omnidirectional radio range, is a type of radio navigation system for aircraft. A VOR ground station broadcasts a VHF radio composite signal including the station's identifier, voice , and navigation signal. The identifier is typically a two- or three-letter string in Morse code... |
Located at 29°36′40.20"S 31°07′29.03"E, frequency 115.6 MHz |
| Instrument Landing System Instrument Landing System An instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument... |
|
| Communication frequencies |
Automatic Terminal Information Service Automatic Terminal Information Service, or ATIS, is a continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol information in busier terminal areas. ATIS broadcasts contain essential information, such as weather information, which runways are active, available approaches, and any other information required by... : 127.00 MHz |
| Warnings | The intersection of taxiways Alpha, Golf and November is a designated "hotspot", requiring extra caution and vigilance from pilots. Aircraft are not permitted to pass each other on the taxiways at this intersection. |
Passenger terminal
The passenger terminal is located at the southern end of the airport precinct and is split into two levels: arrivals are handled on the lower floor, departures on the upper floor. With a total floor area of 102000 m² (1,097,918.9 sq ft), the terminal is capable of handling 7.5 million passengers per annum.The check-in concourse, located on the upper floor, contains 72 check-in counters and 18 self-service kiosks, as well as ticket offices for the various airlines operating out of the airport. Passengers then pass through the security checkpoint, segregated between domestic and international passengers, before proceeding to the departure lounges and the boarding gates. The airport has 34 aircraft parking bays and 16 jet bridges; four of the jet bridges (gates A20-A23) can be grouped into two to handle two Code F aircraft (e.g. an Airbus A380
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
) or can singly handle four Code C aircraft (e.g. an Airbus A320
Airbus A320
The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001...
or Boeing 737
Boeing 737
The Boeing 737 is a short- to medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body jet airliner. Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from Boeing's 707 and 727, the 737 has developed into a family of nine passenger models with a capacity of 85 to 215 passengers...
), with the remainder being capable of handling one Code C aircraft each.
Arrivals is located on the lower floor, with the baggage reclaim hall containing 5 conveyors that can be allocated between domestic and international use as is necessary. Most of the airport's retail is also located on the lower floor, as well as in an outdoor piazza area immediately outside the terminal building. Including retail in departure lounges, the airport has 52 retail outlets and 6500 m² (69,965.4 sq ft) of retail space.
The terminal does not have a public viewing deck, which has attracted public criticism. It has however been pointed out that viewing opportunities of the international terminal are available from the elevated departures drop-off road, as well as elsewhere in the airport precinct.
Cargo terminal
The cargo terminal is located to the north of the passenger terminal, and is in the approximate centre of the airport precinct. The cargo terminal will have an initial size of 15000 m² (161,458.7 sq ft) and initial capacity for 150,000 tonnes of cargo per annum; long-term expansion could see the cargo terminal expand to a size of 100000 m² (1,076,391 sq ft) and capacity for 1 million tonnes of cargo per annum. Worldwide Flight ServicesWorldwide Flight Services
Worldwide Flight Services is an aviation company based in Roissy-en-France, France that provides cargo, ground and technical services at airports. The company was founded in 1983.-Network:...
was appointed in August 2009 on a five-year contract as the cargo terminal operator.
The cargo terminal will form one component of the Dube Tradeport's Trade Zone Precinct, which will additionally be home to trade and logistics warehousing as well as cargo and light industry activities that require quick access to air cargo services, and will cover an area of 36 hectares.
One of the objectives of the cargo terminal is to recapture local air freight currently making use of OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
; it is estimated that KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa. Prior to 1994, the territory now known as KwaZulu-Natal was made up of the province of Natal and the homeland of KwaZulu....
produces approximately 25,000 tonnes of air cargo which is currently transported by road to Johannesburg. The airport also has the advantage of sea level operation as opposed to Johannesburg's high altitude, and is also located in close proximity to Durban's port
Port of Durban
The Port of Durban in Durban, South Africa, is the largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, according to the AAPA World Port Rankings 2009. In 2010, the port handled 2,511,368 TEU....
, stated as being the busiest port in the southern hemisphere. The cargo terminal will initially have two Code F stands (being capable of accommodating freighter variants of the Airbus A380
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
), which can be expanded to ten in the long term.
Airlines and destinations
The following airlines operate scheduled flights to King Shaka International Airport:King Shaka International Airport is in negotiations with British Airways (Comair) to start direct flights to London - Gatwick in the near future. Emirates Airlines are also planning on either adding a second daily flight or putting a larger plane on the Durban route due to demand.
Traffic and statistics
King Shaka International Airport recorded 4.9 million passengers in 2010-2011, with the majority (4.7 million) being domestic passengers, 179,732 being international, and a small percentage of traffic being classified as "unscheduled". 54,718 aircraft traffic movements were recorded; the majority again being domestic services. The statistics place KSIA as the third busiest airport in South Africa, behind both OR Tambo International Airport in JohannesburgJohannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
and Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Cape Town, and is the second busiest airport in South Africa and third busiest in Africa. Located approximately from the city centre, the airport was opened in 1954 to replace Cape Town's previous airport in the suburb of...
.
The following tables list passenger and air traffic statistics for King Shaka International Airport as published by Airports Company South Africa
Airports Company South Africa
Airports Company of South Africa Limited operates ten of South Africa’s airports. Its head office is in The Maples Office Park in Bedfordview, Ekurhuleni.-History:...
. Statistics run between April and March the following year.
| Year | International | Regional | Domestic | Unscheduled | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger movements | % Change | Passenger movements | % Change | Passenger movements | % Change | Passenger movements | % Change | Passenger movements | % Change | |
| 179,732 | 81.7% | 0 | 100.0% | 4,670,129 | 8.7% | 20,868 | 215.6% | 4,870,729 | 10.6% |
| Year | International | Regional | Domestic | Unscheduled | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft movements | % Change | Aircraft movements | % Change | Aircraft movements | % Change | Aircraft movements | % Change | Aircraft movements | % Change | |
| 1,460 | 0.0% | 0 | 100.0% | 49,623 | 1.5% | 3,635 | 59.4% | 54,718 | 3.6% |
Notes: Statistics for 2010-2011 include operations at Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport
Durban International Airport was the international airport of Durban from 1951 until 2010, when it was replaced by King Shaka International Airport, to the north. The airport is co-located with AFB Durban.-History:...
up to and including April 30, 2010. Comparisons are made with the previous reporting period's statistics at Durban International Airport.
Road
The airport is accessible from both the N2N2 (South Africa)
The N2 is a National Route in South Africa; it is the main highway along the Indian Ocean coast of the country. The N2 starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and runs through the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to end at Ermelo in...
freeway and the alternative R102 road, with the M65 linking the N2 at exit 195 and the R102 between Verulam
Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal
Verulam is a town 27 kilometres north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is now part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area.-History:In 1850 a party of 400 methodists settled here and formed the town. The town was then named after the Earl of Verulam, patron of the Brits who settled...
and Tongaat
Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal
Tongaat is a sugarcane growing township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that is situated on the banks of the Tongati River about 37 km north of Durban and 28 km south of Stanger. It now forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban metropolitan area. Its population is predominantly people of...
with the airport. The M65 does not continue from the N2 interchange to the coastal M4
M4 (Durban)
The M4 is a metropolitan road in Durban, South Africa. It runs from the N2 at Durban International Airport to Ballito via the Durban Central Business District and Umhlanga. The sections between the airport and the southern edge of the CBD, and the northern edge of the CBD and the exit to Virginia...
highway, necessitating M4 traffic to divert to the N2 using either the M27 if approaching from the south, or the M43 (Watson Highway) if approaching from the north; however, the airport's Environmental Impact Assessment recommended that the M65 should be extended to the M4 in the future should traffic volumes rise to the point where this would become necessary. Another notable road in the vicinity of the airport is the R614 from the Albert Falls
Albert Falls Dam
Albert Falls Dam is dam in the Umgeni River, just outside Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, province, South Africa. It was established in 1976. It has a gross capacity of , and a surface area of , the dam wall is high.- References :...
and Wartburg
Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Wartburg is a small town located approximately to the north-east of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and is located in the Umgungundlovu District Municipality. It is situated in an agricultural area, dominated by sugar cane fields and timber plantations...
areas, which terminates at the R102 in the northern outskirts of Tongaat
Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal
Tongaat is a sugarcane growing township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that is situated on the banks of the Tongati River about 37 km north of Durban and 28 km south of Stanger. It now forms part of eThekwini, the Greater Durban metropolitan area. Its population is predominantly people of...
; users of the R614 access the airport via the R102.
The majority of routes to and from the airport via the N2
N2 (South Africa)
The N2 is a National Route in South Africa; it is the main highway along the Indian Ocean coast of the country. The N2 starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and runs through the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal to end at Ermelo in...
involve payment of a toll: traffic leaving the airport to the south (the direction of central Durban) must pass through the La Mercy Ramp Plaza located at the interchange of the N2 and M65, while traffic arriving at and leaving the airport from the north (the direction of Ballito) must pass through the mainline Tongaat Toll Plaza located at the interchange of the N2 and M43. Motorists arriving from the south along the N2 are not tolled, and the R102 acts as an untolled alternative route.The N2 S from the airport can lead to the M4 S, which leads directly into the city.
The airport contains 6,500 public parking bays, both in a short-term parkade and in a shaded medium-term parking area. Public road transport is provided by airport shuttle buses and metered taxis, which have been allocated their own pick-up and drop-off area adjacent to the terminal entrance to the international arrivals area.
Rail link
The main railway line heading north from DurbanDurban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
along the North Coast runs close to the R102. Direct rail access has been provided for in the master plans, and is expected to be constructed after 2010 as part of the second phase of construction.
Accidents and incidents
- On August 13, 2009, a privately-owned Yakovlev Yak-18TYakovlev Yak-18T|-See also:Yakovlev - designer and manufacturer of the Yak-18T.-References:NotesBibliography* Gordon, Yefim, Dmitriy Komissarov and Sergey Komissarov. OKB Yakovlev: A History of the Design Bureau and Its Aircraft. North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1857802030.* Taylor, Michael...
(registration ZU-BHR) performed an emergency landing on the then unfinished runway due to a fuel contamination issue, becoming the first aircraft to land at KSIA.