The 10 Largest Airports in Africa

You might have booked a flight from these airports or probably visited them just once or twice but it’s possible you don’t know the capacity of these airports.

Never mind if you don't know much. Relax. Fasten your belts as we take you on a journey to Africa's 10 biggest Airports.

Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa

Topping the chart is this airport that flaunts many interesting things that would dazzle your imagination. The airport is named as a tribute to one of South Africa’s most important founding fathers; Oliver Reginald Tambo, fondly known as O.R. by his peers, for his significant contribution to the liberation of South Africa.

It is also Africa’s biggest and busiest airport. Perhaps, you have to visit the place to catch a glimpse of the thronging crowd always jostling to catch a flight.

Cairo International Airport, Cairo, Egypt

Don't be carried away yet! The journey has just begun. Second on the countdown is Cairo International Airport, Cairo, Egypt. It is the second largest and busiest airport in Africa, offering service to over 65 international airlines.

In 2010, the airport was voted one of the three most improved airports in the 2010 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa

From Cairo, we’re drilling down to the third Africa’s third largest airport, Cape Town International Airport.

The airport is pitched approximately 20km from Cape Town city centre and serves 8.4 million passengers a year. That's not all; it has also established a reputation as Africa’s premier international award-winning airport, consistently performing among the best in the world in terms of customer service. What an amazing record!

King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa

Hello, we’re still in the South Africa with the fourth on the countdown—King Shaka International Airport, also known as La Mercy Airport. It is the primary airport serving Durban, South Africa.

Located approximately 35km north of the city, it opened to passengers on 1 May 2010, just over a month before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It serves 4.75 million passengers a year.

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

We are back to Egypt again with Sharm El-Sheikh Airport as the fifth biggest airport in Africa.

Sharm El-Sheikh is the second busiest airport in Egypt after Cairo International Airport. In 2008, the Egyptian Airports Holding Company announced plans to build a third new terminal at the airport which will double its capacity from 7.5 to 15 million passengers per year.

Hurghada International Airport, Hurghada, Egypt

Sprawled 5km southwest of El Dahar, Hurghada Airport, the sixth on the log is currently served by one terminal. But plans are already in top gear to make it a cynosure of all eyes while passengers will have access to a wide variety of stores, duty-free boutiques and restaurants.

Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco

Operated by ONDA (National Airports Office), the airport is located 30km southeast of Casablanca and is the busiest airport in Morocco with almost 7.3 million passengers passing through the airport in each year. It was named after the late Sultan Mohammed V of Morocco.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria

Now we’re in Nigeria! The most populous country in Africa. This airport located in Lagos, Nigeria and it’s the major airport serving the country, with 6.3 million passengers a year. The airport’s international terminal was modeled after Amsterdam Airport, Schiphol. Named after former head of state, General Murtala Muhammed. It was officially opened in March 1979.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya

This is the 9th on the log. It is Kenya’s largest airport, and the busiest airport in eastern and central Africa. It is named after the first Kenyan Prime Minister and President Jomo Kenyatta.

Port Elizabeth International Airport, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

And here comes the last on the chart. Owned and operated by the Airports Company South Africa, Port Elizabeth International Airport is located approximately two miles south of the city, earning it the nickname of the “Ten minute airport”, because it is less than ten minutes’ drive from most major areas of the city. 

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