Pictures show the aftermath of Durban International Airport which was once named as one of Africa’s busiest airports. Now, barely anyone can be seen entering or exiting the airport
Photos have shown an eerie abandoned airport lying in ruin after it welcomed 250 million passengers and was once considered the heart of a city.
Durban International Airport once proudly welcomed holidaymakers in Kwa-Zulu Natal (Durban), South Africa. The site was known as a bustling centre point for locals and tourists. However, the airport was abandoned in 2010, despite it being labelled the third-busiest in the country.
It has now been ditched for 14 years and is largely unused compared to its former self. Officials shifted their focus and built the newly-improved King Shaka International Airport which is now considered a vital hub for both regional and international travel. The improved site was erected shortly before the 2010 FIFA World Cup which boosted travel influx into the country.
The major football tournament welcomed a staggering 309,554 international visitors to the country, according to the South African government. As all eyes and funds were placed on King Shaka International Airport, the old Durban International Airport fell to the waste side and has become increasingly desolate over the years.
In 2012, airport ownership was transferred from the Airports Company South Africa to Transnet for nearly £88,219,000 (R2 billion). A private company known as Seaworld Aviation also tried to salvage the airport and return it to its former glory. This included an ambitious plan to have smaller airlines use the old airport in the hopes that it would further boost tourism in the city, reports Express.
In June 2017, Transnet signed a lease to operate the airport for 10 years between 2017 and 2027. However, these bold initiatives were put on hold as Transnet and Seaworld became embroiled in litigation stemming from issues over the contract they both signed. As plans for a refurbished airport were put on hold, Transnet has been leasing out parts of the old airport, including the main runway, which is being used to store vehicles.
Despite some parts being used, much of the old airport has remained completely untouched. Tenants who previously lived there caused destruction by smashing down walls, cutting through buildings, and even repurposing storage tanks meant for aviation fuel. There have been rumours over the years of converting the old airport site into a hub for low-cost airlines or perhaps turning it into another airport. However, the £8,821,900 (R200 million) cost of renovating this project has seen these plans shelved, and the airport remains desolate and eerily quiet.
