Durban takes off! New island flights announced

If island escapes feature heavily on your vision board, you’re in luck!

Durban is getting direct flights to Réunion Island and Mauritius in 2026, so you can start planning those trips now!

According to Durban Tourism, LIFT Airlines has confirmed it will launch direct flights between Durban and Réunion Island from 26 February 2026, with Mauritius flights following in June 2026.

It’s a major win for Durban travellers who love seamless getaways, fewer stopovers, and more time with toes in the sand.

The announcement was made at a pre-launch event at Dube TradePort, where LIFT representatives shared their excitement about opening the airline’s first international routes out of Durban.

Réunion Island will be first off the runway, offering Durbanites easier access to one of the Indian Ocean’s most dramatic and adventure-filled destinations.

Mauritius, a long-time favourite for honeymoons and family holidays, returns as a highly anticipated direct route for KZN travellers after several years without one.

Tourism and economic leaders welcomed the announcement, highlighting how new international routes boost not only leisure travel, but also trade, cargo movement, and business links between regions.

For Durban, it’s another step in strengthening the city’s role as a gateway to the Indian Ocean islands and the African continent.

Tourism in Recovery Mode

This expansion follows months of positive momentum in domestic travel.

LIFT had already geared up for what has become a bumper festive season, adding extra aircraft to its fleet to handle increased demand on the busy Johannesburg–Durban–Cape Town route AKA ‘The Golden Triangle’.

With strong early bookings, longer stays, and more group travel, airlines and tourism bodies anticipated a busy December and January… and Durban delivered.

High visitor numbers, packed beaches, and strong hotel occupancy reinforced confidence in the city as a top travel hub, making international route expansion the next logical step.

Benefits for Travellers… and Tourism

Direct flights mean shorter travel times, easier planning, and more affordable options for Durban-based holidaymakers who previously had to connect via Johannesburg.

It also opens the door to exciting multi-island itineraries and weekend-friendly international escapes.

Plus, it’s likely to boost Durban’s inbound tourism, giving global travellers a direct route to our iconic city!

Whether you’re dreaming of Réunion’s rugged beauty or Mauritius’ laid-back luxury, 2026 just became a whole lot more exciting.

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