The 10 Largest Airports in Africa

Africa is a massive and diverse continent with varying levels of infrastructure and economic development. This can lead to significant disparities in air travel capabilities and services across different regions. Air travel in Africa is centered around major hubs like Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Cairo, Egypt; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The airports in these cities serve as critical connecting points for international and domestic flights.

Over the past decade, air travel in Africa has seen rapid growth. Experts attribute this advancement to increased economic activity, urbanization, and a growing middle class. It is also important to note that the rise in low-cost carriers has made air travel more accessible to a broader segment of the population. The competitive pricing of these companies allows more people to fly. However, many African cities and countries still face challenges in aviation infrastructure, safety, and regulatory frameworks. Political instability, security concerns, and inadequate maintenance facilities can hinder the growth of the aviation industry.

History of Aviation in Africa

Aviation in Africa dates back to the early 20th century. The earliest airports in Africa were often simple airstrips and airfields. Typically, they were used for colonial military and commercial purposes. These early facilities played a role in supporting early aviation and flying transportation across the continent.

Later, in the 1930s, the British airline Imperial Airways established regular services to and within Africa. These flights connected London to destinations such as Cairo and Cape Town, and later, they extended to destinations across the continent.

After World War II, many African countries gained independence from colonial rule. As these nations developed their economies and infrastructure, they invested in expanding and modernizing their airports to meet the growing demands of air travel.

African aviation expanded in the 1950s and 1960s. Through the 1970s, airlines including South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways, took off. They played a huge role in connecting Africa to the rest of the world, and vice versa.

Several African airports emerged as major aviation hubs, connecting the continent to international destinations. Notable examples include some of the airports listed below, which are the 10 largest airports in Africa. They include O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cairo International Airport, and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there has been a rising trend toward privatization and increased investment in airport infrastructure. In response, airports in many African countries have modernized and become more efficient.

Air Travel in Africa

Air travel is crucial for the tourism industry in Africa. The continent boasts a wide range of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural attractions, all of which rely on air transport to bring in visitors. It is also important for international imports and exports. The aviation industry, which is undergoing significant changes, plays a crucial role in the continent’s economic development and global connectivity.

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, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is not just one of the 10 largest airports in Africa, it is the largest and busiest airport in Africa! Millions of people pass through this airport every year. It serves as a major international gateway to South Africa.

O.R. Tambo International Airport is located in Kempton Park, about 12 miles northeast of Johannesburg’s city center. The airport was founded in 1952, as Jan Smuts International Airport. Later, in 2006, it was named O.R. Tambo International Airport, after Oliver Reginald Tambo. Tambo was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and political leader. He played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid.

O.R. Tambo International 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 key transportation hub in North Africa. It is the primary international gateway to Egypt and one of the 10 largest airports in Africa. It is located northeast of Cairo’s city center.

Cairo International Airport began handling commercial air traffic in the 1950s. Now, it sees millions of passengers every year. It is a key connecting point for flights to various destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and more.

This airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 136 destinations in 59 countries. There are nine domestic flights from Cairo. The national airline of Egypt, EgyptAir, has a hub at this airport.

3. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town International Airport is the primary airport serving the Western Cape province of South Africa. CPT is one of the largest and busiest airports in the country and a crucial gateway for both domestic and international air travel. It has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 42 destinations in 20 countries. Also, there are 13 domestic flights from Cape Town. Like many of the other airports on this list of the 10 largest airports in Africa, CPT sees millions of passengers every year for travel to and from other parts of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere in the world.

The airport is located in the Matroosfontein suburb, about 12 miles from the city center of Cape Town. Therefore, it is easily accessible to the city and surrounding areas. While CPT is primarily a passenger airport, it also has cargo facilities that handle the transport of goods, including fruits, wine, and other export products.

It was established in the early 1950s as a replacement for the previous airport, Wingfield Aerodrome. Over the years, it has seen significant expansion and development to meet the growing demand for air travel.

One thing Cape Town International Airport is well-known for is its picturesque setting. It sits between the Hottentots Holland Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Passengers arriving to or departing from the airport typically get to see stunning views of Table Mountain and the surrounding area.

4. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) – Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada International Airport is one of the 10 largest airports in Africa. It is a popular stop for tourists visiting the Red Sea resorts in Egypt. It serves as a gateway to some of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors often arrive for sun, sand, and swimming.

Hurghada International Airport is located in the eastern part of Egypt, near the Red Sea. It is about three miles southwest of the center of Hurghada. This part of Egypt has a booming tourist industry, which has been positive for the airport. It has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 84 destinations in 24 countries. There are five domestic flights from Hurghada. The longest flight from HRG is a 1,921-mile non-stop route to Novosibirsk International Airport in Russia.

5. Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) – Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport is another one of the 10 largest airports in Africa. It is a vital international airport located in the resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, a popular tourist destination on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The airport is located 11 miles northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh’s city center.

The airport serves as a gateway to Sharm El-Sheikh and the surrounding Red Sea resorts, offering convenient access to the region’s beautiful beaches, diving sites, and other attractions. You can fly to 72 destinations with 39 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic at Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. It has non-stop passenger flights in 24 countries.

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport provides convenient access to the city of Sharm El-Sheikh and popular destinations such as Naama Bay, Ras Mohammed National Park, and the various beaches and diving sites along the Red Sea coast. The Red Sea is known for its vibrant marine life and coral reefs, making it a mecca for divers and water sports enthusiasts. The airport’s location near these underwater wonders makes it an ideal entry point for these activities.

6. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) – Nairobi, Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the busiest airport in East Africa and one of the 10 largest airports in Africa. It is a key aviation hub on the continent.

It is located in the Embakasi suburb, about nine miles southeast of Nairobi’s city center. The airport was built in 1958 and later named after Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta. Today, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is full of modern amenities within its terminals. You can fly to 57 destinations in 38 countries with 29 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic. The airport sees millions of passengers every year. It connects travelers to other destinations within Kenya and Africa, as well as in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. The airport serves as a major hub for Kenya Airways.

In addition to being a very busy passenger hub, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a key cargo gateway in the region. It handles the transport of various goods, including flowers, horticultural products, and other exports.

7. Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) – Casablanca, Morocco

Mohammed V International Airport serves as a major transportation hub in North Africa. It is the largest and busiest airport in Morocco and one of the 10 largest airports in Africa. The airport was originally built in 1943 for military traffic. It served as an airbase during World War II for the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, it evolved into a civil airport and was renamed in honor of King Mohammed V of Morocco.

It is located in the Nouaceur Province, approximately 19 miles south of the city center of Casablanca. Travelers can easily reach Casablanca and other Moroccan cities from the airport.

It has non-stop passenger 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.

Millions of people pass through the airport every year. Additionally, lots of cargo pass through the airport, including textiles, electronics, and perishable exports.

8. Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) – Algiers, Algeria

Houari Boumediene Airport is the largest airport in Algeria one of the 10 largest airports in Africa.

ALG is located about 11 miles east of the center of Algiers, which is the capital of Algeria. The airport’s strategic location near Algiers, Algeria’s capital, makes it a primary entry point for visitors who wish to explore the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

It opened in 1924 as Maison Blanche Airport during the French colonial era. Later, it was renamed in honor of President Houari Boumediene, who served as the President of Algeria from 1965 to 1978.

Like the other airports on this list, Houari Boumediene Airport sees millions of passengers each year. Houari Boumediene Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 78 destinations in 29 countries. There are 22 airlines scheduled for passenger traffic. The airport also handles cargo operations, exporting goods such as industrial equipment, textiles, and more.

Houari Boumediene Airport serves as a vital transportation hub in Algeria and North Africa, facilitating air travel within the region and supporting regional integration and connectivity.

9. Kotoka International Airport (ACC) – Accra, Ghana

Kotoka International Airport is the primary international airport in Ghana and a key hub in West Africa. First, ACC was a military airport used by the British Royal Air Force during World War II in 1946. Then, it opened in 1958 as a passenger airport called Accra International Airport. Later, officials renamed it in honor of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a Ghanaian military officer who was one of the leaders of the National Liberation Council, which took control of Ghana in 1966.

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 airports in West Africa, handling millions of passengers each year. It serves as a vital connecting point for travelers heading to various destinations within Ghana, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. The airport also supports cargo operations, handling agricultural products, minerals, and machinery. It plays an important role in Ghana’s import and export activities.

Kotoka International Airport is located Accra, which is the capital city of Ghana. Accra sits on the southern coast of Ghana, along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. The airport is very close to the city center, about 6 miles north of Accra’s central business district. The airport’s strategic location in Accra makes it a primary entry point for visitors interested in exploring Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, history, and attractions. Travelers can easily access Accra and other parts of Ghana from the airport. Taxis, shuttle services, and public transportation options are available to provide convenient access to the city and surrounding areas.

10. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) – Lagos, Nigeria

Murtala Muhammed International Airport is one of Nigeria’s busiest airports and a vital transportation hub in West Africa. It is also one of the ten largest airports in Africa. Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the primary international airport serving Lagos, Nigeria.

Naming History of Murtala Muhammed International Airport

It was originally known as Lagos International Airport. Later, officials renamed it in honor of General Murtala Muhammed, who was the military head of state of Nigeria from 1975 until his assassination in 1976. It officially opened in 1979, meeting the growing international air demands of the region. Since then, it has undergone several expansions and renovations. Lagos has great travel needs since it is one of the most populous cities in Africa.

The airport plays a crucial role in connecting Lagos to domestic and international destinations and is a major entry point for travelers coming to Nigeria. There are 42 airports around the world that have direct flights to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Those airports are located in 27 countries. Currently, there are 14 domestic flights and 26 airlines operating out of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Like all of the airports on this list, Murtala Muhammed International Airport serves millions of passengers every year. It is one of the busiest airports in West Africa. It is also one of the significant connecting points for travelers heading to various destinations within Nigeria, elsewhere in Africa, or abroad in Asia, North America, South America, or other parts of the world.

Similar to many of the airports on this list, Murtala Muhammed International Airport is a hub for cargo operations, handling goods such as oil and gas equipment, machinery, textiles, and agricultural products. Because of this, Murtala Muhammed International Airport plays a significant role in Nigeria’s import and export activities.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport is located in the northern part of the city, approximately 13 miles northwest of the city center. Because of its proximity, travelers can easily access Lagos and other parts of Nigeria from the airport. Taxis, shuttle services, and public transportation options are available for convenient access to the city and surrounding areas. The airport itself even provides numerous shopping outlets, duty-free shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes for passengers. A variety of products and cuisines are available for travelers to enjoy. Of course, you will have a more authentic and exciting dining and shopping experience outside of the airport!

Safety of Air Travel in Africa

Like many countries, the safety of air travel in Africa varies by country and airline. Some regions and carriers demonstrate strong safety records, while others face challenges. Many African countries have made significant improvements in aviation safety through better regulations, training, and infrastructure development. However, some areas still deal with ongoing issues such as aging fleets, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of regulatory oversight.

While air travel in Africa is generally safe, experts recommend that passengers traveling to or from any country choose established and reputable airlines and follow safety instructions. In general, you should always stay informed about travel advisories in certain regions.

Conclusion

All of these airports play pivotal roles in connecting Africa to various destinations worldwide, facilitating regional and global air travel.

Air travel is crucial in Africa because the continent is massive and geographically diverse. There are many remote areas as well as many sprawling urban centers. Therefore, air travel provides an efficient means of transportation. The airports and aviation officials involved in Africa’s air travel help to link regions that would otherwise be challenging, or nearly impossible, to connect. These networks have far-reaching economic and cultural impacts that drive tourism, trade, and foreign investment.

Of course, tourists are drawn to Africa’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Their visits help to support local economies. Additionally, air travel supports the movement of goods and people, aiding regional and international commerce. Ultimately, this contributes to the continent’s overall development and global integration.

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