Top 10 Biggest Airports in Africa: A Comprehensive Overview

Africa is home to a rapidly growing aviation sector, and its airports play a pivotal role in connecting the continent to the rest of the world.

With an increasing demand for air travel, infrastructure developments, and advancements in technology, some African airports have grown to become major global hubs.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top 10 biggest airports in Africa based on passenger traffic, size, infrastructure, and strategic importance.

1. O. R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Passenger Traffic:

O. R. Tambo International Airport is not only the largest airport in Africa by passenger traffic but also one of the busiest airports globally. Serving Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic capital, this airport handles over 21 million passengers annually (pre-COVID).

Size & Infrastructure:

The airport covers an area of approximately 1,800 hectares and boasts six terminals. It serves as the primary hub for South African Airways and hosts numerous international airlines. In terms of facilities, O. R. Tambo is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including business lounges, a large duty-free shopping area, and advanced cargo terminals.

Strategic Importance:

As Southern Africa’s busiest airport, it acts as a gateway to the African continent, linking travelers to major global destinations. Its close proximity to Johannesburg’s business and financial centers further bolsters its role in international trade and tourism.

2. Cairo International Airport (Cairo, Egypt)

Passenger Traffic:

With over 16 million passengers annually (pre-COVID), Cairo International Airport is Egypt’s busiest and one of Africa’s busiest and biggest airports. It serves as a key hub for passengers traveling between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Size & Infrastructure:

Cairo International spans over 40 square kilometers and includes multiple terminals, with Terminal 2 recently undergoing extensive renovations to improve capacity and passenger experience. The airport is known for its large capacity, handling both international and domestic flights, and its cargo terminal is among the largest in Africa.

Strategic Importance:

Strategically located between Africa and the Middle East, Cairo International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Africa to global markets and tourism routes. It also serves as a major hub for EgyptAir.

3. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos, Nigeria)

Passenger Traffic:

Nigeria’s busiest airport, Murtala Muhammed International, handles over 7 million passengers annually. It serves Lagos, one of the largest cities in Africa, and is a key entry point to the region for international travelers.

Size & Infrastructure:

The airport consists of both international and domestic terminals. Although it is smaller in capacity compared to O. R. Tambo and Cairo International, ongoing development projects, such as expansions to Terminal 2, aim to enhance its ability to accommodate growing traffic.

Strategic Importance:

As a hub for West Africa, Murtala Muhammed Airport plays a vital role in the region’s aviation and cargo operations. It is especially significant for business travelers and tourists coming to and from Nigeria’s commercial center.

4. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Passenger Traffic:

Addis Ababa Bole International is rapidly growing, with over 12 million passengers recorded annually. It serves as the hub for Ethiopian Airlines, one of the most prominent and successful airlines in Africa.

Size & Infrastructure:

The airport spans approximately 1,000 hectares and consists of a single terminal building for both international and domestic flights. Plans for expansion include a new terminal and a larger runway to cater to increasing traffic, particularly as Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its international reach.

Strategic Importance:

Located centrally in East Africa, Addis Ababa Bole serves as a major connecting hub for flights between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Ethiopian Airlines, which operates from here, has become a symbol of Africa’s growing aviation industry.

5. Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town, South Africa)

Passenger Traffic:

Cape Town International Airport ranks as the second busiest airport in South Africa, handling over 10 million passengers annually (pre-COVID). It is the primary gateway to the popular tourist destination of Cape Town.

Size & Infrastructure:

Covering around 1,400 hectares, Cape Town International boasts a modern, well-equipped terminal that serves both international and domestic travelers. It also has extensive cargo facilities and a wide variety of services for passengers, including lounges, restaurants, and shopping.

Strategic Importance:

As a key international tourist hub, Cape Town International connects travelers to the southernmost tip of Africa. It plays an essential role in the country’s tourism and is a hub for South African Airways, facilitating regional and international connections.

6. Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca, Morocco)

Passenger Traffic:

Mohammed V International in Casablanca is Morocco’s busiest airport, welcoming around 9 million passengers annually. The airport serves as a major entry point for international flights and regional connections.

Size & Infrastructure:

The airport features a modern terminal complex that caters to both domestic and international flights. With continuous upgrades and expansions, it aims to accommodate future growth, especially in the cargo sector.

Strategic Importance:

Casablanca’s strategic position as a major trade and transport hub in North Africa makes this airport essential for both passenger traffic and cargo operations. Royal Air Maroc, the national airline, uses the airport as its primary base.

7. King Shaka International Airport (Durban, South Africa)

Passenger Traffic:

Located in Durban, King Shaka International Airport serves around 5 million passengers annually. Despite being smaller than Johannesburg and Cape Town, it is one of South Africa’s key airports for both domestic and regional travel.

Size & Infrastructure:

Opened in 2010, King Shaka International Airport is modern and well-designed, with a single terminal serving both domestic and international flights. The airport has grown rapidly and now includes a large cargo terminal and a variety of services to meet passenger demand.

Strategic Importance:

King Shaka International plays a significant role in connecting travelers to South Africa’s tourism and trade hubs in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond, making it a crucial part of the country’s infrastructure.

8. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja, Nigeria)

Passenger Traffic:

With an annual passenger count of around 5 million, Nnamdi Azikiwe International is the main airport serving Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. It is growing in both capacity and importance as Nigeria continues to develop its aviation sector.

Size & Infrastructure:

Though not as large as Murtala Muhammed, Nnamdi Azikiwe has undergone significant upgrades, including new terminals and expanded runways, to accommodate rising traffic and improve services.

Strategic Importance:

Abuja’s political significance as the capital city of Nigeria makes this airport crucial for both domestic and international affairs. It connects the seat of government with key locations across the globe.

9. Libreville International Airport (Libreville, Gabon)

Passenger Traffic:

Libreville International serves approximately 2 million passengers annually, positioning it as one of Central Africa’s most important airports.

Size & Infrastructure:

With modern amenities and recent upgrades, the airport features a central terminal for international and domestic flights. The government has invested in expanding both capacity and infrastructure to handle growing air traffic.

Strategic Importance:

Libreville International is central to Gabon’s air travel, providing connections to other parts of Africa and beyond, particularly for business and government travelers.

10. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (Mauritius)

Passenger Traffic:

Mauritius’ main airport, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, handles around 4 million passengers annually. It is the principal hub for tourism in the Indian Ocean region.

Size & Infrastructure:

The airport features modern terminals and offers a seamless travel experience for passengers. It has expanded significantly to cater to growing international traffic, particularly from Europe and Asia.

Strategic Importance:

Mauritius’ popularity as a tourist destination makes this airport essential for global connectivity, supporting both leisure and business travel. It serves as a key link to the island’s strong tourism-driven economy.

Conclusion: Africa’s Airport Landscape is Expanding

The above list of the biggest airports in Africa reveals a continent with diverse and rapidly expanding aviation hubs.

As Africa’s air travel demand grows, these airports continue to innovate and expand, offering greater connectivity, modern amenities, and enhanced services to meet the needs of travelers. They play a central role in connecting Africa to global trade, tourism, and business, helping drive the continent’s economic development.

As investment in infrastructure continues, it’s clear that these airports will remain central to Africa’s aviation future.

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