Airfreight volumes surge by 7% at Dube Cargo Terminal, benefiting KwaZulu-Natal's economy

The Dube Cargo Terminal at King Shaka International Airport has recorded a 7% increase in air cargo volumes handled over the past year.

In a statement, Dube TradePort said that air cargo volumes increased from 14,424 tons in the 2023/24 financial year to 15,429 tons between April 2024 and March 2025.

The terminal first experienced a notable rise in demand between September and December 2023, following a downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the statement, the growth was “primarily driven by increased perishable exports and a gradual shift in modal transport towards airfreight for key exports of automotive components and similar goods”.

The rebound in air cargo activity began in late 2023 and continued steadily through 2024, when throughput grew by more than 5% year-on-year. The latest figures show that the upward trend has been sustained, reflecting both export demand and improved infrastructure supporting airfreight operations.

“This performance has been supported by the rise of specialised air charters and an expanded demand for airfreight by the perishables sector, particularly in fruit and meat exports, destined for markets in Europe and the Middle East,” the statement read.

Dube TradePort said the increase in air connectivity through Durban has enhanced the terminal’s ability to support exporters, especially those operating in time-sensitive industries. “The increase in air connectivity in Durban has greatly improved the capacity of Dube Cargo Terminal to support exporters, particularly those in the perishables sector,” it said.

To sustain this momentum, the organisation highlighted investments in logistics infrastructure, including bonded and cold storage warehouses and bonded trucking services. These developments are complemented by the ongoing airline route development programme under “Durban Direct,” which aims to expand the city’s international flight network.

“Dube TradePort has invested in bonded and cold storage warehouses, bonded trucking, and expanding the airline route development efforts through Durban Direct. These investments have enhanced the handling of specialised and time-sensitive shipments,” the statement noted.

The terminal’s management said its infrastructure and operational focus remain aligned with national objectives to strengthen South Africa’s role in regional and global supply chains. “Dube Cargo Terminal’s infrastructure and commitment to service excellence is designed to meet these needs while strengthening South Africa’s participation in both regional and global supply chains,” the statement concluded.

THE MERCURY