$852 Cheap Flights to Empangeni

Flights to Empangeni at a glance

Traveling to Empangeni is easy—simply select from various airlines, including full-service and budget options. Compare travel times to find the best fit for your budget and plans, and get ready to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Consider booking cheap flights to Empangeni for great deals.

• Major airports near Empangeni: King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
• Closest (typical) airport to Empangeni: Richards Bay Airport, RCB (around 12 miles)
• Flights per week: 100+ flights arriving across Empangeni airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Empangeni: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Empangeni

Empangeni is a vibrant city ideal for beach getaways, city adventures, and romantic retreats. Visitors are drawn to this destination for family fun, outdoor activities, and entertainment. Travel to Empangeni is facilitated by two major airports, including Empangeni Airport (EMG) and Empangeni Aerodrome.

• King Shaka International Airport (DUR): Situated in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 76 miles from Empangeni, this airport provides access to both domestic and international flights. It connects to around 3 domestic cities and 10 international destinations, with travelers having the option to upgrade to business class for enhanced service, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers at this airport include South African Airways, Cemair, and South African Airlink.
• Richards Bay Airport (RCB): Found in uMhlathuze within the King Cetswayo District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, this airport is roughly 12 miles from Empangeni. It primarily caters to domestic flights, with South African Airlink being the prominent airline operating here.

Top routes to Empangeni

• Johannesburg (JNB) to Empangeni (RCB/DUR), with one-way flight options from around $65
• Cape Town (CPT) to Empangeni (DUR), with one-way flights starting at around $85
• Harare (HRE) to Empangeni (DUR), with one-way flights starting at around $180
• New York (JFK) to Empangeni (DUR), with one-way airfare from around $620
• Boston (BOS) to Empangeni (DUR), with one-way fares starting at around $580

Cheapest routes to Empangeni

• Johannesburg (JNB) to Empangeni (RCB/DUR), with cheap one-way fares from around $65
• Cape Town (CPT) to Empangeni (DUR), with cheap one-way fares from around $85
• Port Elizabeth (PLZ) to Empangeni (DUR), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $140
• Harare (HRE) to Empangeni (DUR), with low one-way fares from around $180
• Lusaka (LUN) to Empangeni (DUR), with affordable one-way prices from around $220

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Empangeni

• South African Airways: Operating flights to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), this airline represents about 26% of the arrivals to Empangeni. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $320, and premium cabin services may include business class based on the route.
• Cemair: Also servicing King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Cemair makes up approximately 22% of Empangeni's incoming flights. One-way fares with this airline average around $110.
• South African Airlink: This carrier flies to both Richards Bay Airport (RCB) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR), accounting for nearly 18% of arrivals to Empangeni. The average fare for a one-way trip is about $150.
• Hahn Air: Operating flights to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Hahn Air constitutes around 8% of the arrivals at Empangeni. One-way tickets with this airline average approximately $180.
• FlexFlight: Serving King Shaka International Airport (DUR), FlexFlight represents about 3% of the total arrivals in Empangeni. The average fare for a one-way journey is around $130.

Best time to fly to Empangeni

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Empangeni are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Empangeni can reach up to 76.6°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 69.3°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $231, roughly 25% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? March and July offer average one-way fares of around $250, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Empangeni

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Empangeni is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Empangeni hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Empangeni flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Empangeni

Empangeni welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Empangeni efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Richards Bay Airport, Richards Bay Seaport, a seaport, is located about 7.5 miles away by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Empangeni, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Empangeni is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Empangeni on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Empangeni

• Richards Bay: Located 9 miles away from Empangeni, Richards Bay is a vibrant city that draws visitors with its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. Families will find plenty to enjoy, from the local water park to shopping malls. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Enseleni Nature Reserve or the Richards Bay Game Reserve, both of which offer stunning landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to relax on the family-friendly beaches that line the coast.
• Korhaan Hill: Korhaan Hill, located 4 miles away from Empangeni, is a charming city that offers a mix of natural beauty and civic engagement. Travelers can visit the Enseleni Nature Reserve for a peaceful retreat into nature or explore the Aquadene Public Library, which serves as a cultural hub for families. The City of uMhlathuze Municipality stands as a modern landmark, reflecting the area's progressive spirit.
• Heatonville: Heatonville is located 7 miles away from Empangeni and is known for its serene village atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those interested in nature, with the nearby Ezigwayini Forest Reserve providing opportunities for outdoor adventures. Families can visit the Ntambanana Umtapo Wolwazi Public Library, which fosters a love for reading and learning. The Enseleni Nature Reserve is also accessible from here, making Heatonville a great base for exploring the natural surroundings.

Tips for short-haul flights to Empangeni

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—for budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more affordable. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning outfits wisely. This approach also eliminates the need to wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts in advance, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for both short and domestic flights, it's advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Empangeni

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to ensure you have enough time for check-in, security screening, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge, if you have access. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin acclimating your body to the new time zone by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's local time. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight in accordance with the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Empangeni

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Empangeni on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Empangeni. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Empangeni. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Empangeni, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Empangeni

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Empangeni in 2026 starts from $1,310, while one-way tickets start from from $852. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Empangeni. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Empangeni

Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Condor, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Empangeni. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Empangeni and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Empangeni, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Empangeni. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Empangeni plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Empangeni

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Empangeni.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Empangeni are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Empangeni. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Empangeni for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Empangeni. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Empangeni flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Empangeni. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.