Africa, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse wildlife, is served by a variety of airports that play a crucial role in facilitating travel across this vibrant continent. This article explores the top 20 airports in Africa, highlighting their histories, exceptional services, and unique features that enhance the travel experience. By understanding what each airport has to offer, travelers can better plan their journeys and explore the wonders that await them.
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
History
Opened in 1952, O.R. Tambo is the busiest airport in Africa and serves as the primary international gateway to South Africa.
Exceptional Services
JNB features numerous shopping and dining options, lounges, and hotel accommodations. The airport also offers conference facilities and services for business travelers.
Security
With advanced screening technologies and a comprehensive security system, JNB ensures passenger safety at all levels.
Why Visit?
Located near Johannesburg, the airport is your starting point to explore the rich history of South Africa, including attractions like the Apartheid Museum and Soweto.
2. Cairo International Airport (CAI)
History
Established in 1963, CAI is the second-busiest airport in Africa and a major hub for international flights to the Middle East and Europe.
Exceptional Services
CAI boasts a wide range of restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges. The airport also offers currency exchange and car rental services.
Security
The airport employs high security standards, including advanced screening methods and customs inspections.
Why Visit?
Cairo is home to ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
3. Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
History
Opened in 1954, CPT has grown to become one of Africa’s top airports, serving millions of travelers annually.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences, along with business lounges and car rental services.
Security
CPT maintains stringent security measures, including passenger screening and surveillance systems.
Why Visit?
Cape Town is known for its stunning landscapes, including Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, providing travelers with breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.
4. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
History
Opened in 1979, LOS serves as Nigeria’s primary international airport, facilitating travel to and from West Africa.
Exceptional Services
The airport features dining options, duty-free shops, and lounges, ensuring comfort for travelers.
Security
LOS employs comprehensive security measures, including customs and immigration checks.
Why Visit?
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, is known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and business opportunities, making it a unique travel destination.
5. Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
History
Opened in 1947, CMN is Morocco’s busiest airport and a key hub for international flights.
Exceptional Services
The airport features various shopping and dining options, lounges, and facilities for business travelers.
Security
CMN maintains high-security standards with advanced screening technologies and customs inspections.
Why Visit?
Casablanca, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, is a gateway to explore Morocco’s vibrant culture.
6. Bole International Airport (ADD)
History
Established in 1962, ADD is the main airport in Ethiopia and a critical hub for international travel in East Africa.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers various amenities, including restaurants, shopping outlets, and business lounges.
Security
ADD employs rigorous security measures to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Why Visit?
Addis Ababa is known for its unique culture, historical sites, and as a gateway to Ethiopia’s stunning landscapes.
7. Hamelin Bay Airport (YHM)
History
Opened in the 1990s, YHM serves as a regional airport in Australia, providing essential connections.
Exceptional Services
The airport features essential amenities, including dining options and shops.
Security
YHM maintains standard security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Hamelin Bay is known for its stunning beaches and unique marine life, making it a popular travel destination.
8. Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
History
Opened in 1958, NBO is the busiest airport in East Africa and serves as a major hub for international flights.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers various dining and shopping options, lounges, and facilities for business travelers.
Security
NBO employs advanced security technologies to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Nairobi is known for its wildlife parks, including Nairobi National Park, providing travelers with unique safari experiences.
9. King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
History
Opened in 2010, DUR serves as a modern international gateway to Durban and surrounding areas.
Exceptional Services
The airport features a variety of shops and restaurants, along with lounges and facilities for business travelers.
Security
DUR maintains stringent security measures, ensuring a safe environment for all passengers.
Why Visit?
Durban is known for its stunning beaches, cultural diversity, and vibrant culinary scene, making it an appealing travel destination.
10. Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
History
Established in the 1950s, EBB is Uganda’s main airport, providing vital connections for international travelers.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options and shopping outlets.
Security
EBB employs rigorous security measures to ensure the safety of passengers.
Why Visit?
Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is a gateway to exploring Uganda’s stunning wildlife and national parks.
11. Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
History
Opened in 1986, COO serves as Benin’s main airport, facilitating regional and international travel.
Exceptional Services
The airport features basic amenities, including dining and shopping options.
Security
COO maintains standard security measures for traveler safety.
Why Visit?
Cotonou is known for its vibrant markets and cultural experiences, offering travelers a glimpse into Benin’s rich heritage.
12. Antananarivo Ivato International Airport (TNR)
History
Established in 1967, TNR is Madagascar’s main airport, providing vital connections for international travelers.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers essential amenities, including dining options and shopping outlets.
Security
TNR employs standard security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Antananarivo is known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it an appealing destination for nature lovers.
13. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
History
Opened in 1996, VFA serves as a primary airport for visitors to the Victoria Falls region, facilitating essential travel.
Exceptional Services
The airport features basic amenities for travelers, including dining options.
Security
VFA maintains standard security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
14. Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)
History
Established in 2000, ABV serves as Nigeria’s capital airport, enhancing connectivity to the region.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers essential amenities, including dining options and shops.
Security
ABV employs robust security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Abuja is known for its modern architecture, cultural diversity, and rich history.
15. Lilongwe Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)
History
Opened in 1992, LLW serves as Malawi’s main airport, providing essential connections for international travelers.
Exceptional Services
The airport features basic amenities for travelers, including dining options.
Security
LLW maintains standard security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Lilongwe offers travelers access to Malawi’s stunning landscapes and wildlife experiences.
16. Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
History
Established in 1970, LUN serves as Zambia’s primary airport, facilitating international and regional travel.
Exceptional Services
The airport features essential amenities, including dining options and shops.
Security
LUN employs modern security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Lusaka is known for its vibrant culture and proximity to national parks, making it an appealing destination for travelers.
17. Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
History
Opened in 1998, ZNZ serves as the main airport for Zanzibar, enhancing connectivity for international tourists.
Exceptional Services
The airport features a range of dining and shopping options, catering to travelers.
Security
ZNZ maintains high-security standards for traveler safety.
Why Visit?
Zanzibar is famous for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination.
18. Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
History
Opened in 1972, DAR serves as Tanzania’s primary airport, facilitating international and domestic travel.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers essential amenities, including dining options and shopping outlets.
Security
DAR employs modern security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Why Visit?
Dar es Salaam is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and access to Tanzania’s national parks.
19. Nouakchott Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
History
Established in 2016, NKC serves as Mauritania’s main airport, providing essential connections for international travelers.
Exceptional Services
The airport features basic amenities for travelers, including dining options.
Security
NKC maintains standard security measures for traveler safety.
Why Visit?
Nouakchott offers travelers access to Mauritania’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
20. Banjul Banjul International Airport (BJL)
History
Opened in 1995, BJL serves as The Gambia’s main airport, facilitating international travel.
Exceptional Services
The airport offers essential amenities, including dining options and shops.
Security
BJL employs standard security measures for traveler safety.
Why Visit?
Banjul is known for its beautiful beaches and cultural experiences, making it an appealing destination for travelers.