British Airways launches new direct service to the South African city of Durban

British Airways launches new direct service to the South African city of Durban

LONDON, 2018-May-09 — /Travel PR News/ — Travellers hoping to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s shorter days and long, cold nights this winter have a new destination: the South African city of Durban with the start of British Airways’ new direct service.

From October 29 holidaymakers 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 the spectacular South African city.

The service will be the only non-stop link between Europe 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 international visitors to enjoy too.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “Durban’s warm water, hot summers and laid-back beachy atmosphere 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 for 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.”

Tickets are available to buy on ba.com and start from £599 in World Traveller(economy cabin), £1214 in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and £3199 in Club World (business class). Customers can also choose to cut the cost of flights by using Avios in part payment.

British Airways operates a twice daily service from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Johannesburg and flies year-round to Cape Town every day from Terminal 3 and three times a week from Gatwick during the winter season.

British Airways has a long-standing partnership with Comair who fly direct from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Durban and six other destinations across South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

For those wanting to escape to the South African sun, British Airways Holidays has the following packages on offer:

·       British Airways Holidays offers flight & five nights stay at the 5* The Oyster Box, from £1299 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 £599 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.

For a weekend guide on what to do in Durban, head here.

Notes to editors:

·       Tickets will be available to book on ba.com from May 9.

Flights arrive into King Shaka International Airport that is located 22 miles from the centre of Durban

·       For more information on Comair, visit www.comair.co.za

·       Flight numbers will be BA41  from Heathrow to Durban and BA40 from Durban to Heathrow

Timetable

SOURCE: British Airways

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