Dube Cargo Terminal at King Shake International Airport recorded significant growth in air cargo volumes handled over the last year.
According to the latest data released by the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, the terminal handled 15 429 tonnes of cargo between April 2024 and March 2025, marking a 7% increase from the 14 424 tonnes handled in 2024.
It comes on the back of the terminal’s first significant surge in demand experienced between September and December 2023 following a slump in 2020.
This has included an increased demand for perishable exports, particularly fruit and meat products, destined for Europe and the Middle East.
A gradual shift to airfreight as a mode of transport for key automotive components and similar goods and the rise of specialised air charters have also supported the growth in volumes.
“The increase in air connectivity in Durban has greatly improved the capacity of Dube Cargo Terminal to support exporters, particularly those in the perishables sector,” Dube TradePort said.
To sustain airfreight growth, Dube TradePort has invested in bonded and cold storage warehouses, bonded trucking, and in expanding airline route development efforts through the Durban Direct initiative.
“These investments have enhanced the handling of specialised and time-sensitive shipments,” said Dube TradePort.
