New airport for World cup

South Africa: Construction of the King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa will begin in March next year, according to the country's Transport Department.

The airport, due for completion in early 2010, in time for the FIFA World Cup, is expected to cost about ZAR 2.5 billion (US$ 353 million) and will replace Durban International Airport, transport minister Jeff Radebe said in a statement.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the private company that owns and operates South Africa's ten major airports and Dube Tradeport, a trade company owned by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, will construct, develop and manage the airport, said Mr Radebe.

ACSA will build, operate and own the airport and passenger terminals, while Dube Tradeport will own, manage and develop the cargo operation. Other facilities such as offices, hotels, and shops – will be jointly owned and developed by the two authorities.