Today, May 1 marks King Shaka International Airport's 16th anniversary.
Image: File
King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) marks its 16th anniversary today, May 1, as a recognised and critical driver of economic activity in KwaZulu-Natal.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said the airport serves as province’s primary international gateway and is the country's third busiest airport after O. R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
ACSA said the airport performance over the period FY (financial year) 2019/20 to FY2025/26 reflects a strong recovery trajectory following the significant disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, in the FY2019/20, the airport recorded approximately 6.1 million passengers and 50,753 aircraft movements (ATMs), representing normal operational conditions.
A sharp decline was experienced in the following year with recovery beginning in late 2021. For the latest financial year 2025/26, the performance continued to recover strongly, reaching 5.6 million passengers, representing a 92% recovery compared to pre-COVID levels. Aircraft Traffic Movements (ATMs) reached 40,935, reflecting an 89% recovery against the 2019/20 baseline.
An upgrade of existing facilities and new infrastructure is planned for the airport.
“As we grow, and evolve, KSIA is embarking on an investment programme which includes the upgrade of existing facilities and infrastructure, new airport facilities and compliance related projects. This underscores ACSA’s commitment to enhancing service delivery for our stakeholders and passengers,” ACSA said.
“King Shaka International Airport is a critical asset of the regional economic activity in the province, supporting not only tourism growth and global connectivity but strengthening trade flows,” said Nkosinathi Myataza, Regional General Manager at King Shaka International Airport.
The airport, which has also been recognised with global awards, was ranked in fourth place for Best Airport in Africa, 2nd place Best Regional Airport, and placed 10th in the 5-10 million passenger category in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.
In addition, the airport earned the 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Award for Best Airports: Most enjoyable in Africa.
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