Africa’s 10 busiest airports based on total passenger traffic

SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY |  Air travel in Africa is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 2024. From Cairo, with the second-oldest airport in Africa, to Johannesburg, host to the only airport in Africa with direct flights to six continents, here is a list of Africa’s busiest airports, according to the Airports Council International (ACI).

1. Cairo International Airport (Egypt) – 20m
Cairo International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Egypt and serves as the primary hub for EgyptAir, Nile Air, and several other airlines. The airport has four terminals, one of which is dedicated to seasonal Hajj flights. The airport is located about 15 km from the city centre and offers various transport options, including a metro line, buses, taxis, and car rentals.

2. OR Tambo International Airport (South Africa) – 14.8m
OR Tambo International Airport is the main airport serving both Johannesburg and Pretoria. The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights, and is the hub for several South African airlines. The airport is named after Oliver Tambo, a former president of the African National Congress. The airport is located about 22 km from Johannesburg and has a high-speed rail link that connects it to the city and Pretoria.

3. Cape Town International Airport (South Africa) – 7.9m
Cape Town International Airport is the second-busiest airport in South Africa and the third-busiest in Africa. It serves as a major gateway to the Western Cape region. The airport has one central terminal that handles both domestic and international flights and offers various amenities, such as shops, restaurants, lounges, and a hotel. The airport is located about 20 km from the city centre and has public transport options, such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.

4. Mohammed V Airport (Morocco) – 7.6m
Mohammed V Airport is the main international airport serving Casablanca, the largest city and economic capital of Morocco. It is the hub for Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and Jetairfly, and handles flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights, and offers various facilities, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, banks, and a mosque. The airport is located about 30 km from the city centre and has train, bus, taxi, and car rental services.

5. Hurghada International Airport (Egypt) – 7.2m
Hurghada International Airport is the second-busiest airport in Egypt and serves the popular tourist destination of Hurghada, located on the Red Sea coast. The airport is mainly used by charter flights and low-cost carriers, such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and TUI fly, and connects Hurghada to various cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights, and offers basic amenities, such as shops, cafes, and car rentals. The airport is located about 5 km from the city centre and has taxi and shuttle services.

6. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia) – 6.7m
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the main international airport serving Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. It is the hub for Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most profitable airline in Africa, serving destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights and offers various services, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and a hotel. The airport is located about 6 km from the city centre and has public transport options, such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.

7. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya) – 6.56m
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main international airport serving Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya. It is the hub for Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Fly540, and African Express Airways, and handles flights to destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airport has one terminal that is divided into four sections, one for international arrivals, one for international departures, one for domestic flights, and one for cargo. The airport offers various facilities, such as shops, restaurants, banks, and a transit hotel. The airport is located about 15 km from the city centre and has public transport options, such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.

8. Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos (Nigeria) – 6.53m
Murtala Muhammed Airport is the main international airport serving Lagos, the largest city and commercial hub of Nigeria. It is the hub for Arik Air, Air Peace, and Med-View Airline, and serves flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights, and offers various amenities, such as shops, restaurants, banks, and lounges. The airport is named after Murtala Muhammed, a former military ruler of Nigeria. The airport is located about 20 km from the city centre and has public transport options, such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.

9. Alger Houari Boumédiene Airport (Algeria) – 6.3m
Alger Houari Boumédiene Airport is the main international airport serving Algiers, the capital and largest city of Algeria. It is the hub for Air Algérie, Tassili Airlines, and Air Express Algeria, and handles flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights, and offers various facilities, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, banks, and a mosque. The airport is named after Houari Boumédiene, a former president of Algeria. The airport is located about 17 km from the city centre and has public transport options, such as trains, buses, taxis, and car rentals.

10. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Nigeria) – 6m
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is the main international airport serving Abuja, the capital and political centre of Nigeria. It is the hub for Aero Contractors, Arik Air, and Air Peace, and serves flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The airport has one terminal that handles both domestic and international flights and offers various amenities, such as shops, restaurants, lounges, and a hotel. The airport is named after Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria. The airport is located about 20 km from the city centre and has public transport options, such as buses, taxis, and car rentals.

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SOURCE: Seth Onyango, bird story agency