Durban’s new airport will be ready for 2010

Scheduled to open in May 2010, and currently 72% complete, Durban’s new international airport, La Mercy, will be open and ready to accommodate the travels of the multitude of foreign visitors expected for next year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Communications and Brand Manager at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Mr Colin Naidoo, is confident that construction of the new La Mercy Airport, situated approximately 30km north of Durban’s city centre, is progressing according to schedule.

Speaking exclusively to Shine 2010, Mr Naidoo was quick to point out the myriad ways is which this new airport is far superior to the currently in use Durban International Airport. La Mercy will be three times the size of Durban International; it will accommodate 7,5 million annual passengers, far more than Durban International’s current maximum of 4,7 million.

The runway is 3,7km long, in comparison to Durban International’s 2,4km, which in addition to the large terminals will allow the airport to service the largest aircraft in the world, including the behemoth Airbus A380. The airport will have parking for 6500 vehicles, as opposed to Durban International’s 2200 bays.

According to Mr Naidoo, Durban International Airport has capacity issues as far as the future is concerned, with maximum capacity being reached in 2015 – just six years away. La Mercy on the other hand has the capacity to increase its size for future expansion as necessary, up to an ultimate capacity of 45 million people in the year 2060.

This major new international terminus, with its state-of-the-art cargo terminal, will form part of the Dube TradePort.

The airport will have air bridges, separate arrivals and departures terminals on differing floors, and a separate baggage area. Additionally, it is the first green field airport in the country. Environmental objectives have been adhered to and have been considered every step of the way. There is even a plan to create an agri zone, encouraging people to plant, grow and export produce.

A support zone is planned containing hotels, a conference centre and entertainment areas.

When queried about the future of the current Durban International Airport, Mr Naidoo replied that ACSA, in conjunction with both local and national government, has formed a task team to decide on the future of the facility.

Durban has previously been seen to be in a different league to the major players of South African airports, namely Johannesburg and Cape Town, yet it now seems as though the stage is set for the emergence of a new major transit hub within the country.

By Stuart Alderson-Smith for www.shine20.co.za