Africa is a vast and diverse continent with variations in infrastructure and economic growth. Africa’s air travel is centered on large hubs such as Johannesburg, South Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, Cairo, Egypt, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These cities’ airports serve as vital connecting hubs for international and domestic flights.
Air travel in Africa has grown rapidly during the last decade. This progress is attributed to rising economic activity, urbanization, and a burgeoning middle class, according to experts.
Aviation in Africa stems from the early twentieth century. The first African airports were frequently small airstrips and airfields. They were mostly utilised for colonial military and economic purposes. These early facilities aided early aircraft and flight transportation across the continent.
Let’s take a look at the 10 largest airports in Africa:
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Johannesburg, South Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, is not only one of Africa’s ten largest airports; it is the continent’s largest and busiest! Every year, millions of people pass through this airport. It is an important international gateway to South Africa.
It is located in Kempton Park, approximately 12 miles northeast of Johannesburg’s city center. Established in 1952 after Oliver Reginald Tambo, it was renamed O.R. Tambo International Airport in 2006. Tambo was a well-known anti-apartheid campaigner and politician in South Africa.
The airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 82 destinations in 41 countries. There are 19 domestic flights from this airport.
2. Cairo International Airport (CAI) – Cairo, Egypt.
Cairo International Airport is Egypt’s busiest airport and a vital North African transit hub. It is Egypt’s principal international gateway and one among Africa’s ten largest airports. It is located northeast of Cairo’s downtown area.
In the 1950s, Cairo International Airport began handling commercial air traffic. Every year, millions of passengers pass through. It serves as a major hub for flights to and from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and others.
This airport has nonstop passenger flights to 136 cities in 59 countries.
3. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape Town International Airport is the major airport servicing South Africa’s Western Cape province. It serves as a vital hub for both domestic and international air transport and has nonstop passenger flights scheduled to 42 destinations in 20 countries.
Built in the early 1950s, the airport is located in the Matroosfontein district, about 12 miles from Cape Town’s city center.
4. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) – Hurghada, Egypt.
Hurghada International Airport is one of Africa’s top ten busiest. It is a popular destination for travellers visiting Egypt’s Red Sea resorts and a hub for some of Egypt’s most renowned tourist spots. Visitors frequently come for the sun, beach, and swimming.
Hurghada International Airport is located near the Red Sea in eastern Egypt. It is roughly three kilometers southwest of Hurghada’s center. It has nonstop scheduled passenger flights to 84 destinations in 24 countries scheduled. Hurghada has five domestic flights per day.
5. Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) – Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport is another of Africa’s top ten largest airports. It is an important international airport located near Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt’s popular tourist destination on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The airport is located 11 miles northeast of the city centre of Sharm El-Sheikh.
The airport acts as a gateway to Sharm El-Sheikh and the Red Sea resorts, providing easy access to the region’s stunning beaches, diving spots, and other attractions. Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport has scheduled passenger flights to 72 destinations with 39 airlines. It operates nonstop passenger flights in 24 different countries.
6. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) – Nairobi, Kenya.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the busiest airport in East Africa and one of Africa’s ten largest. It is an important aviation center in the continent.
It’s in the Embakasi neighbourhood, some nine miles southeast of Nairobi’s city center. The airport open in 1958 and was named after Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta. Today, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s terminals are filled with modern amenities.
You can fly to 57 locations in 38 countries with 29 airlines in scheduled passenger service. Every year, millions of travelers pass through the airport. It connects travelers to places throughout Kenya and Africa, as well as Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
7. Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) – Casablanca, Morocco.
Mohammed V International Airport is a major transportation hub in North Africa. It is Morocco’s largest and busiest airport.
It is located in the Nouaceur Province, roughly 19 miles south of Casablanca’s city center. From the airport, visitors may easily access Casablanca and other Moroccan cities.
It offers nonstop flights to 100 destinations in 46 countries. It is a significant connecting point for travelers heading to various destinations within Morocco, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
8. Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) – Algiers, Algeria
Houari Boumediene Airport is Algeria’s largest airport, located around 11 miles east of the center of Algiers, Algeria’s capital. The airport serves as a key entrance point for travelers looking to see the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
During the French colonial era, it opened in 1924 as Maison Blanche Airport. Later, it was renamed in honour of Algerian President Houari Boumediene, who governed from 1965 to 1978.
Houari Boumediene Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 78 destinations in 29 countries. There are 22 airlines scheduled for passenger traffic.
9. Kotoka International Airport (ACC) – Accra, Ghana
Kotoka International Airport is Ghana’s principal international airport and a vital West African gateway.
ACC has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 32 destinations in 24 countries with 24 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic.
Kotoka International Airport is one of the busiest in West Africa, serving millions of people each year.
10. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) – Lagos, Nigeria.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is one of Nigeria’s busiest airports and a significant West African transit hub. Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the primary international airport serving Lagos, Nigeria.
Originally, it was named as Lagos International Airport. Later, it was renamed in honour of General Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria’s military ruler of state from 1975 until his assassination in 1976.
Lagos has high travel demands because it is one of the most populous cities in Africa.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport has direct flights from 42 locations across the world. These airports are spread over 27 nations. Murtala Muhammed International Airport now serves 14 domestic flights and 26 carriers.
