Dube TradePort continues expansion drive

Airfreight volumes through Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have shown a mixed pattern over the past year. Strong growth momentum has been tempered by the latest geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, impacting airline frequencies and cargo capacity. According to figures from Dube Cargo Terminal, cargo volumes grew by as much as 25% between March and December 2025, driven by stable airline activity and strong operational performance. However, growth slowed to just 2% in late February 2026 following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which resulted in some carriers reducing flight frequencies and available airfreight capacity. “Demand does look healthy enough to absorb increasing capacity as carriers resume frequencies in the near future,” said Ricardo Isaac, senior manager: cargo development and operations at Dube TradePort. “The gradual stabilisation of passenger flight schedules has already improved belly-hold cargo capacity, helping to improve volumes. “However, there remains scope to unlock further demand through increased flight frequencies and the introduction of new air services. “We know that there is latent travel and cargo demand on international sectors from Durban and we are focused on developing those routes. They will, in turn, provide additional cargo capacity into those markets.” He said Dube TradePort played a central role in enabling airfreight in KwaZulu-Natal through its world-class infrastructure and integrated logistics offering. Isaac said that within the second phase of the manufacturing precinct, Dube TradeZone was now more than two-thirds occupied, with the remaining sites already spoken for. He added that Dube TradePort Corporation currently has two new construction projects under way. It is also engaging with three investors within the precinct that are considering expansions to their facilities. Construction of a new warehouse on Erf 770 is currently under way on a three-hectare site, with a total warehouse bulk of approximately 13 018m2. Site establishment commenced in early February 2026, with completion scheduled between end-2026 and early 2027. A second warehouse development is also taking place: it’s on Erf 798 across a four-hectare site, with a total warehouse bulk of approximately 28 173m2. Site establishment for this development also commenced in early February, with completion planned for the end of 2027. He said the organisation was in the final stages of unlocking the next phase of its manufacturing precinct, Dube TradeZone 3, with procurement of bulk services expected to start in early 2027. “There are also two new foreign direct investments that have been approved by the board, with further details expected to be made public in due course.” Beyond infrastructure, Dube TradePort is also actively working to grow the route network of King Shaka International Airport LV