King Shaka International Airport (FALE) is located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the City of Durban. The airport was conceptualized in the 1960’s when it was realized that the old Louis Botha/Durban International airport (FADN), to the south of Durban, would soon reach its capacity.

Construction began in 1973 and by 1975 the earthworks and a storm drainage system to the value of R320 million were completed. By 1982, the project was halted due to economic slowdown. A local Micro light club made use of the grassed over runway. The new airport was named La Mercy Airport (FALE) after the town of La Mercy located five kilometers east of the airport. Construction recommenced on the 24 August 2007 and the new airport was opened on the 1st of May 2010.