⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

King Shaka International Airport

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal (South Africa)
IATA: DUR ICAO: FALE
Longest Active Runway
12,139 ft
3,700 meters
Field Elevation
295 ft
90 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Unlighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
-29.6144°, 31.1197°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#166 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#252 of 7558
Top 3.4% percentile worldwide
National Standing (South Africa)
#2 in ZA
#5 of 68 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+21.4%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: King Shaka International Airport's longest active runway measures 12,139 ft (3,700 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #166. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #252 worldwide (Top 3.4%) and #2 nationally in South Africa.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

King Shaka International Airport provides modern, unconstrained aviation infrastructure for South Africa's primary east coast port city. Built 295 ft above sea level in La Mercy, DUR's 12,139 ft runway eliminates the terrain obstacles that plagued Durban's previous airport. The airfield easily accommodates long-haul widebodies connecting Durban directly with the Middle East and Europe.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Single paved Runway 06/24 (12,139 ft / 3,700 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Opened in May 2010 just ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, completely replacing the obsolete and constrained Durban International Airport at Reunion Rocks.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Primary commercial gateway to KwaZulu-Natal, located 161 NM southeast of Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Features an obstruction-free 12,139 ft runway rated for Code 4F widebody aircraft, integrated with the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) · ATNS Aeronautical Information Publication (South Africa AIP)
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

King Shaka International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 295 ft (90 m MSL) in Durban. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Primary commercial gateway to KwaZulu-Natal, located 161 NM southeast of Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 12,139 ft (3,700 m)

King Shaka International Airport's active flight strips comprise 06/24 (12,139 ft). With a longest active threshold of 12,139 ft (3,700 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
06/24 12,139 ft (3700m) 197 ft (60m) Asphalt ❌ Unlighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/dur.json ↗