British Airways has announced new direct flights to Durban starting this winter.

The thrice weekly service will launch on October 29, departing Heathrow at 1545 on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving into Durban’s King Shaka International airport at 0535 the following day. The return leg will leave the South African city at 0735 on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, landing back into London at 1745.

The new route will be the only direct service between Europe and Durban, and will be served by a B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

BA previously served Durban with a one-stop flight via Johannesburg, between 1981 and 1999.

Tickets start from £599 return in World Traveller, £1,214 in World Traveller Plus, and £3,199 in Club World.

The route will complement BA’s existing year-round flights from Heathrow to Cape Town and Johannesburg, and the carrier’s winter service between Gatwick and Cape Town.

BA also has a partnership with Comair, offering flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Durban and six other destinations across South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Commenting on the new route Alex Cruz, BA’s chairman and CEO, said:

“Durban’s warm water, hot summers and laid-back beachy atmosphere make this coastal city the perfect holiday destination. It is a gateway to many nature reserves, parks and historic sites, and has a thriving food, drink and art scene; defining the city as a must-visit for culture and adventure.

“Durban is also home to the busiest port in South Africa and is a large manufacturing hub, so the new route will secure another important link between the UK and the region that will be a welcome addition for business travellers.”

ba.com

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