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Durban International Airport, formerly Louis Botha Airport, is located in Durban, South Africa. It has the IATA Airport Code DUR.
The airport is the smallest of South Africa's three declared international aiport gateways, with a single north-south runway bordered by the Umlazi Canal to the north and the industrial suburb of Prospecton to the south. The airport is accessible from the N2 and M4 freeways.
Durban has seen a drop in international traffic over the years. Most international flights leaving South Africa are routed through Johannesburg. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that Durban's runway is too short for a fully-laden Boeing 747 to take off, meaning a refuelling stop in Johannesburg.
Plans to move the airport to La Mercy have been shelved numerous times, because opponents of the idea estimate there is not enough air traffic to warrant the expense. Some argue, however, that moving the airport would stimulate international tourism to the city.
The existing airport is also located in the Durban South Industrial Basin, a parcel of land that offers precious flat land for industrial development (Durban's hilly terrain makes it dificult to build). Proponents of the move to La Mercy argue that the land that is currently occupied by the aiprort is needed for future industrial development in Durban.
The proposed new La Mercy aiport would be called King Shaka International, in honour of the famed Zulu leader.
The following airlines serve Durban International Airport:
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