The New Durban Airport - Last Minute Whingeing
I’ve gone on about this at some length but I am mildly (only mildly) surprised that within a day of the transfer to the new airport, there’s whingeing from various quarters as to the need for the thing. This after it was mooted in 1973 and after a construction period of several years.
The existing Durban airport was commissioned in the 1950s and in the 60s, the Nats (unlike the current bunch) knew that they had to plan for the future and knew that that airport had a lifespan of 50 years. So, they expropriated cane fields north of Durban and levelled it. And that’s where it stood since.
Since the 1950s aircraft have got a LOT bigger and the fact of the matter is that it is impossible for a fully loaded jumbo to take off from Durban. The runway cannot be extended because at the one end is a petrol refinery and the at the other, a huge industrial estate. Jumbos can land but not take off more than half full. This has meant that a lot of charter traffic never arrives at Durban. The new airport site is 20% larger than Heathrow.
‘Why don’t we keep the old airport open for local flights?’
Right, that’s going to please all those who come in on international flights and need to connect with local puddle jumpers. That’s all they need after a long flight, a 50km transfer - probably with their luggage still stuck at the new airport.
‘Its costing a lot more’.
Its costing some more, true, but the facilities are ten times better and the airport is an impressive introduction to Durban.
And finally, despite the extra travelling to get to the airport (and toll), the skies above this house will be free of the din of aircraft and we don’t have to arrest a conversation until the 5.50 to Joburg goes past - all the green roofs with their little Tuscan ceilings can have the noise.