The flights start on April 6, 2023. The launch of these air services will provide a significant boost to the volume of travellers between Zambia and South Africa. In 2021 and 2022 travel between the two destinations experienced a 38% growth, while over the same period, South Africa's exports to Zambia grew by R 1,6 billion making Zambia amongst South Africa's key trading partners within Southern Africa.
"As the government of KwaZulu-Natal, we are pleased to welcome these air services flown by ProFlight Zambia. This new air service will undoubtedly play a role in strengthening the business links between the two destinations, especially considering that there are already many companies operating in both Zambia and South Africa. The improved air connectivity will make it easier for businesses to travel between the two countries, facilitating even greater trade and investment." Said Mr. Siboniso Duma the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and the leader of Government Business in KwaZulu-Natal.
The new route will also provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, with Zambia and South Africa both being popular tourist destinations. Zambia is known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure activities, while KwaZulu-Natal is famous for its beaches, arts, and entertainment. The mayor of EThekwini, Cllr. Mxolisi Kaunda said: "We are thrilled to have ProFlight flying back to Durban. As the tourism industry is gradually recovering, the resumption of these air services facilitates greater leisure and business travel into Durban. Growing intra-Africa travel is also a key component of our broader strategy to ensure competitiveness, which is further enabled by the addition of this air connectivity.'
He continued: "We're committed to growing our involvement in Durban Direct, through which we were able to acquire these new flights, in order to grow our programme of attracting new air services into the city.” The launch of this new air service is also expected to create job opportunities in both Zambia and South Africa. As more tourists and business travellers visit the two destinations, there will be increased demand for hospitality and service industry jobs. Nkosinathi Myataza, regional general manager of the Airports Company South Africa, concluded “We’re pleased to reintroduce direct flights from Lusaka to Durban, it supports our collective efforts to restore air connectivity into KwaZulu-Natal. The resumption of the air service is a positive development for both Zambia and South Africa, with the potential to boost trade, tourism, and business links between the two destinations.”