SURF’S UP! BRITISH AIRWAYS DIRECT TO DURBAN
- May 19, 2018
Travellers hoping to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s shorter days and long, cold nights this winter have a new destination: the South African Metro City of Durban, with the start of British Airways’ new direct service.
From October 29 the airline’s customers will be able to surf their heart out along the Golden Mile, explore the lush green garden province and enjoy golden sun kissed beaches with three direct flights a week from Heathrow to this spectacular South African city.
The service will be the only non-stop link between London and Durban, and flights will be operated by the airline’s newest fleet of aircraft, the Boeing 787-8. The timetable will have a morning arrival into Durban and an evening arrival into Heathrow. The new route comes as British Airways rolls out a £4.5 billion, five-year customer investment plan, with a focus on excellence in the premium cabins and more choice and quality for all its customers.
Durban is a year-round destination, with sultry summers and mild, dry winters. It has long been a favourite holiday playground for South Africans but will soon be easier than ever for more international visitors to enjoy too.
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “Durban’s warm water, hot summers and laid-back beachy vibe 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.”
Sihle Zikalala, Minister of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said: “We are proud to be able to showcase the city of Durban to the world through this new British Airways direct flight, the sheer diversity in travel and business opportunities that visitors can access through this gateway into the province of KwaZulu-Natal will unlock enormous potential.
“Great Britain and KwaZulu-Natal share a very rich history, and we are excited to be able to rekindle that relationship with the launch of this new route. The investment and trade opportunities presented by this direct flight between Durban and London will undoubtedly add value to our economy.”
H.W. The Mayor of Durban, Cllr. Zandile Gumede advised that, “We are once again proud to have achieved another milestone in our collective mission to place Durban higher on the global stage. This being done in order to bring increased economic benefits for all Stakeholder, both local and international.”
“Our different spheres of Government have worked very well together to help land British Airways smoothly, and we also must acknowledge and thank our Partners in the Business Community for their active support in attracting Durban’s newest international Airline Partner,” Cllr. Gumede confirmed. She also added, “Now that our Durbanites have direct flights to and from the U.K., we will be looking forward to increased trade and investment flows as well. We will be kicking this off with our Durban-London Investment Day next month.”
British Airways Staff have offered those in Europe wanting to escape to the South African sun in Durban, British Airways Holidays has the following packages already on offer:
- British Airways Holidays offers flight & five nights stay at the 5* The Oyster Box, from £1199 per person, travelling on selected dates in November. Includes World Traveller return flights from London Heathrow and accommodation with breakfast. Book by May 22. For reservations visit ba.com or call 0844 493 0787.
- British Airways Holidays offers flight and seven-day care hire from £539 per person, travelling on selected dates in November. Includes World Traveller return flights from London Heathrow and a Mini Manual car. Book by May 22. For reservations visit ba.com/car or call 0844 493 0787.