Discovering Africa’s Top 2 Busiest Airports: A Closer Look at OR Tambo and Cairo International

Africa’s Two Busiest Airports: O.R. Tambo International and Cairo International

Traveling within Africa has become increasingly convenient and accessible, thanks to the growth and development of its airports. Among the various airports across the continent, two stand out as the busiest and most significant in terms of passenger traffic and infrastructure. These airports are O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Cairo International Airport in Egypt.

O.R. Tambo International Airport, located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa, is the busiest airport in Africa and serves as a major connecting hub for both domestic and international flights. Named after the prominent anti-apartheid activist Oliver Reginald Tambo, this airport has a rich history and plays a vital role in South Africa’s transportation network.

Handling over 21 million passengers annually, O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a wide range of amenities and services to ensure a seamless travel experience. The airport boasts numerous airlines, both local and international, connecting travelers to destinations across the globe. It serves as a gateway to popular tourist attractions in South Africa, such as the Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the iconic Table Mountain.

Cairo International Airport, situated in Heliopolis, northeast of Cairo, Egypt, is the second busiest airport in Africa. Serving as the primary international gateway to Egypt, this airport handles over 11 million passengers annually. It is a crucial hub connecting Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Cairo International Airport is not only a major transportation hub but also a vital economic contributor to Egypt’s tourism industry. The airport has undergone significant expansion and renovation projects in recent years, enhancing its capacity to accommodate the growing number of passengers. It offers a wide range of services and facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and car rental services.

Both O.R. Tambo International Airport and Cairo International Airport are continuously working to improve and enhance their facilities to meet the increasing demands of travelers. They strive to provide efficient and comfortable travel experiences, ensuring passengers have a smooth journey from check-in to boarding and beyond.

It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted air travel worldwide, including Africa. However, as travel restrictions ease and the industry gradually recovers, these airports are poised to regain their status as bustling hubs of activity.

O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Cairo International Airport in Egypt are the two busiest airports in Africa. They play a crucial role in connecting the continent to the rest of the world and contribute significantly to their respective countries’ economies. With their extensive services and continuous efforts to improve infrastructure, these airports are well-equipped to handle the growing demands of travelers in the future.

Which Is Africa’s Busiest Airport?

Africa’s busiest airport is the O. R. Tambo International Airport. With a staggering annual passenger traffic of 21,180,060, it holds the top spot in terms of both size and busyness. This airport, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as a major hub for international and domestic flights, making it a crucial gateway to the continent.

Here are some key points about O. R. Tambo International Airport:

– Passenger traffic: O. R. Tambo International Airport handles over 21 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in Africa. This high volume of travelers is a testament to its significance in connecting various destinations within Africa and facilitating international travel to and from the continent.

– Location: The airport is situated in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and a major economic and cultural hub. Its strategic location in the heart of the Gauteng province makes it easily accessible to both domestic and international travelers.

– International connectivity: O. R. Tambo International Airport offers a wide range of international flights, connecting Africa to various destinations around the world. It serves as a crucial transit point for travelers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other parts of Africa, making it a vital link in the global aviation network.

– Domestic flights: In addition to its international connectivity, the airport also handles numerous domestic flights within South Africa. It serves as a hub for several domestic airlines, facilitating travel between Johannesburg and other cities within the country.

– Infrastructure: O. R. Tambo International Airport boasts modern and well-equipped facilities to cater to the needs of its passengers. It has multiple terminals, including a domestic terminal and an international terminal, ensuring smooth and efficient travel for both domestic and international travelers.

– Economic impact: The airport plays a significant role in driving economic growth and development in South Africa. It contributes to job creation, tourism, and trade, providing a vital link for businesses and travelers alike.

O. R. Tambo International Airport stands out as Africa’s busiest airport, serving as a crucial gateway to the continent and facilitating travel on both domestic and international fronts.

africas 2 busiest airports

What Are The Two Busiest Airports In The World?

The two busiest airports in the world, based on passenger traffic, are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Beijing, China.

ATLANTA GA, US (ATL):
– Located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
– Known as the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic.
– Serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
– Offers a wide range of services and amenities for travelers.
– Handles a large number of connecting flights.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH TX, US (DFW):
– Located in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, United States.
– One of the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic.
– Serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
– Offers a wide range of services and amenities for travelers.
– Known for its size and extensive flight network.

These airports play a crucial role in connecting travelers from various parts of the world and contribute significantly to the global aviation industry.

What Are The Top 5 Busiest Airports?

The top 5 busiest airports in the world are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. These airports handle a significant amount of passenger traffic annually.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: With a staggering 107.4 million passengers, this airport located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, holds the title of the busiest airport in the world. It serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.

2. Beijing Capital International Airport: Located in Beijing, China, this airport handled approximately 101 million passengers. It serves as the main gateway to China and is a major hub for both domestic and international flights.

3. Dubai International Airport: With around 89.1 million passengers, Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is a major hub for travelers connecting between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

4. Los Angeles International Airport: Serving the city of Los Angeles, California, USA, this airport saw approximately 87.5 million passengers. It is a key transportation hub for travelers visiting Southern California and connects to destinations worldwide.

5. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport: Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, handled approximately 86.9 million passengers. It is one of the primary airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area and facilitates both domestic and international flights.

These airports are constantly working to improve their facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of travelers. They play a vital role in connecting people from all over the world and are crucial hubs for global travel.

What Is The 2 Biggest Airport In The World?

The second largest airport in the world is Denver International Airport. It is located in Denver, Colorado, United States. This airport spans over 53 square miles, making it one of the largest airports by land area. It has multiple runways and terminals to accommodate a high volume of passengers and flights.

Key features of Denver International Airport include:

– Terminal Complex: The airport has a main terminal building known as Jeppesen Terminal, which houses various airlines and their check-in counters. It also has three concourses, namely A, B, and C, which are connected to the main terminal via underground train systems.

– Passenger Capacity: Denver International Airport can handle a large number of passengers annually. It has the capacity to handle over 64 million passengers per year, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States.

– Runways: The airport has six runways, including two parallel north-south runways and four east-west runways. These runways can accommodate various types of aircraft, including large commercial planes and cargo aircraft.

– Amenities: Denver International Airport offers a wide range of amenities for travelers, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free stores. It also has art installations and exhibits throughout the airport, showcasing the local culture and artwork.

– Connectivity: The airport is well-connected to various domestic and international destinations. It serves as a major hub for several airlines, providing connections to cities across the United States and around the world.

Denver International Airport is a significant transportation hub, known for its size and capacity to handle a large number of passengers and flights. With its extensive facilities and connectivity, it plays a crucial role in the global air travel network.

Conclusion

Africa’s two busiest airports are O. R. Tambo International Airport and Cairo International Airport. O. R. Tambo International Airport, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, takes the top spot with a staggering 21,180,060 passengers annually. This airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.

Cairo International Airport, situated in the capital city of Egypt, comes in second place with 11,081,892 passengers. As one of the busiest airports in Africa, it plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and trade within the continent and beyond. With its strategic location, Cairo International Airport serves as a gateway to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions.

Both airports have seen consistent growth in passenger numbers over the years, highlighting the increasing importance of air travel in Africa. They have become major transit hubs, connecting travelers from various destinations to other parts of the continent and the world. These airports are vital contributors to Africa’s economic development, as they facilitate trade, tourism, and business activities.

Efforts have been made to improve the infrastructure and services at these airports to enhance the passenger experience. This includes expanding terminal facilities, modernizing security measures, and improving connectivity options. Additionally, ongoing initiatives aim to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that these airports meet international standards of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

As Africa continues to experience economic growth and increased connectivity, it is expected that these airports will play an even more significant role in the region’s development. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, the potential for further expansion and improvement is vast. By investing in these airports, African countries can unlock the immense potential for tourism, trade, and economic growth.

O. R. Tambo International Airport and Cairo International Airport stand as shining examples of Africa’s progress in the aviation industry. Their continued growth and success will undoubtedly contribute to the continent’s upward trajectory, making them key players in Africa’s ongoing development and global connectivity.

Photo of author

Ilona

Ilona is an experienced travel counselor who loves everything about Africa! She studied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Middle Tennessee State University, and now lives in Nashville. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Ilona is well-equipped to plan your perfect African adventure.