DISCUSSIONS between Durban International Airport (DIA) and an international UK charter company to operate bi-monthly flights between London and Durban are reportedly at "an advanced stage".
So says DIA manager Siva Pillay, who told Travel Now that although the prospective company does not have its operators licence yet, he was "extremely optimistic" that the deal would be confirmed soon.
"There is a lot of groundwork that still needs to be done and we're working hard at getting all the stakeholders equally involved. This will obviously prove a tremendous tourism boost for Durban and we are determined to do this right."
Pillay also says that with the R86m airport upgrades, the DIA has the necessary terminal infrastructure to deal with the additional passengers.
According to him, the charter company is looking at operating approximately 26 flights per year, equating to flying twice-monthly, although he cautions that this is merely a rough schedule and may change as negotiations progress or as the need presents itself.
(Adéle Mackenzie)
