Durban Airport sees 13.7% increase in airfreight volumes during Q3

February 1, 2018: International cargo volumes of the Durban Airport during Q3 witnessed a jump by 13.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Durban Airport observed highest ever record of cargo throughput between October and November 2017, which surpassed the 1,700 tonnes mark every month.

The growth was primarily driven by the introduction of additional wide-bodied passenger flights into Durban, and increase in frequency of chartered aircraft using Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.

“Investment in a new specialised outsized cargo handling facility has significantly contributed to our ability to handle bulky shipments, such as large pipes, machinery, vehicles, large animals and ocean-going 20-foot containers. Our robust infrastructure and systems has enabled our supply-chain specialists to respond quickly to the needs of our freight forwarders by providing them with a reliable and competitive solution for their charters flying into Durban,” said Mlibo Bantwini, executive of Dube Cargo Terminal.

Boeing 747-400ERF freighter was the latest chartered aircraft handled by Dube Cargo Terminal, operated by AirBridgeCargo Airlines, which had a payload of 30 tonnes of heavy duty seaflex marine hoses.

Dube Cargo Terminal has demonstrated a positive trend over last seven years since the airport commenced in 2010, with jump in cargo volumes by whopping 138 percent. Cargo volumes are expected to grow further by about 12 percent by end of the current fiscal.

Further growth is anticipated at the Durban’s King Shaka International Airport after Qatar Airways announced to increase its capacity on the Durban – Doha route, with the introduction of the larger Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by March 28. It add additional 416 weekly seats on its four times weekly schedule, besides increase its weekly cargo capacity on the route by 15-23 tonnes per flight.

During October, Air Mauritius increased its frequency by three flights per week on its Durban – Port Louis route. Besides, Emirates also increased its frequency on the Durban – Dubai route during the peak season of December and January.