As the gateway to a continent rich in culture and diversity, Africa’s airports play a pivotal role in connecting people and economies.
In recent years, air travel within Africa has surged, driven by growing tourism, business travel, and improved infrastructure.
In this article, WoA delves into the busiest airports in Africa, showcasing their impressive passenger traffic and the vital roles they play.
1. Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport is Egypt’s largest and busiest airport, serving as a key hub for international travel.
In 2024, it saw significant passenger traffic growth, accommodating approximately 2.5 million passengers in July, marking a 10.2% increase from the previous year.
Throughout 2023, the airport handled over 26 million passengers, contributing to a total of nearly 47 million across Egyptian airports, reflecting a 28% increase compared to 2022.
2. OR Tambo International Airport
O. R. Tambo International Airport, located in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, is Africa’s busiest airport, handling approximately 17.85 million passengers from April 2023 to March 2024.
The airport has a capacity to manage up to 28 million passengers annually and serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Significant upgrades, including enhanced security systems and terminal expansions, are ongoing to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve operational efficiency.
By 2025, the airport aims to further increase its capacity to around 30 million passengers per year.
3. Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is the second-busiest airport in South Africa, processing over 10 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year, marking a significant recovery post-COVID-19.
In March 2024 alone, it handled 320,000 international passengers, the highest monthly total ever recorded.
The airport has seen a 23% increase in passenger traffic year-on-year, with African traffic rising by 13% in early 2024 compared to the previous year.
4. Mohammed V Airport
Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is Morocco’s busiest airport, handling significant passenger traffic.
In the first quarter of 2024, it recorded a 6% increase in passenger numbers, totaling nearly 2.25 million compared to 2.12 million in the same period of 2023.
By mid-2024, the airport accounted for 31% of Morocco’s total air traffic, contributing to a national record of 18.1 million passengers from January to July, marking an 18.5% increase year-over-year.
The airport is pivotal for Morocco’s ambitions to enhance its aviation capacity ahead of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
5. Hurghada International Airport
Hurghada International Airport is Egypt’s second busiest airport, located 5 km southwest of Hurghada.
It features two terminals and can accommodate up to 13 million passengers annually, following a significant expansion completed in 2014.
In 2024, passenger traffic is expected to remain robust, driven by leisure travel from Europe, as the airport serves as a key gateway to the Red Sea resorts.
6. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is Ethiopia’s primary international gateway and a major hub for Ethiopian Airlines.
It currently accommodates over 22 million international and 2 million domestic passengers annually.
The airport features modern facilities, including two terminals, with Terminal II dedicated to international flights and Terminal I serving domestic routes3.
A significant expansion project is underway, aiming to develop a new mega airport city near Bishoftu, expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually upon completion in 2029.
7. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), located in Nairobi, is Kenya’s largest and busiest airport, serving as a major hub for East Africa.
In 2024, JKIA was recognized as Africa’s Leading Airport, reflecting its operational efficiency and service excellence.
The airport has undergone significant upgrades, increasing its capacity to handle over 7 million passengers annually, with a target of 25 million by 2025.
8. Murtala Muhammed Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria, is the country’s busiest airport, serving both domestic and international flights.
In 2024, the airport has faced significant challenges, with passenger traffic plummeting due to economic factors.
From January to May 2024, only 332,817 passengers utilized MMIA, marking a drastic decline from previous years.
Foreign travel dropped by 60%, with just 816,000 passengers traveling internationally in the first three quarters of 2024.
9. Alger Houari Boumédiene Airport
Alger Houari Boumediene Airport, located about 16.9 km from Algiers, is Algeria’s busiest airport, handling over 7 million passengers annually with a total capacity of 16 million.
The airport features four terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic and Middle Eastern flights, Terminal 2 for charter flights, and Terminal 4 for international operations, which opened in 2019 and can accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft.
In 2024, passenger traffic is expected to maintain or slightly increase due to the airport’s strategic role as a hub for Air Algerie and connections to Europe and North Africa.
10. Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), serving Abuja, Nigeria, is a key international airport with two terminals for domestic and international flights.
Opened in 2002, it has undergone significant upgrades, including a new terminal inaugurated in 2023, capable of handling 15 million passengers annually.
Recent data indicates a recovery trend, with over 5 million passengers recorded in 2021 and continued growth expected.
