MMIA, 9 others top largest airports in Africa

Africa’s aviation industry is expanding rapidly as millions of travellers fly across the continent for tourism, business and commerce. With improved infrastructure and increasing passenger demand, several African airports now match global standards in size, technology and traffic.

Here are the top 10 largest and most important airports in Africa, ranked by capacity, passenger volume and strategic relevance.

1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Passenger Traffic: Over 20 million yearly

Key Features:

Africa’s busiest airport; primary hub for South African Airways; six terminals.

O.R. Tambo International Airport remains Africa’s top aviation hub. Located in South Africa’s economic capital, the airport connects the continent to major destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its modern lounges, duty-free stores, and upgraded cargo facilities keep it ahead of the pack.

2. Cairo International Airport (Cairo, Egypt)

Location: Cairo, Egypt

Passenger Traffic: Around 17 million yearly

Key Features:

Strategic gateway linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East; three terminals.

Cairo International Airport is one of North Africa’s most important travel hubs. Its modern facilities, efficient check-in systems, and proximity to global tourist attractions like the Giza Pyramids make it a vital international gateway.

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

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Passenger Traffic: Over 11 million yearly

Key Features:

Africa’s second-busiest airport; award-winning design; close to major tourist sites.

Cape Town International Airport is renowned for its smooth operations and modern architecture. It serves millions of international tourists each year and features eco-friendly facilities and excellent transport links.

4. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Passenger Traffic: Over 12 million yearly

Key Features:

Main hub for Ethiopian Airlines; expanded terminals; major transit point.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has grown into one of Africa’s most active aviation centres. Its newly expanded terminals and advanced infrastructure support its status as a major link between Africa, Asia, and Europe.

5. Murtala Mohammed International Airport (Lagos, Nigeria)

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Passenger Traffic: Nearly 8 million yearly

Key Features:

West Africa’s busiest airport; recent upgrades; major business hub.

Situated in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Murtala Muhammed International Airport is a critical part of West Africa’s aviation network. The airport continues to expand and modernise to meet increasing passenger demand.

6. Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca, Morocco)

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Passenger Traffic: Over 10 million yearly

Key Features:

Morocco’s busiest airport; hub for Royal Air Maroc; strong global connections.

This airport serves as Morocco’s main gateway to the world. Its modern terminals, efficient security systems, and growing flight network support both tourism and international trade.

7. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Passenger Traffic: Around 7 million yearly

Key Features:

East Africa’s largest airport; expanding infrastructure; hub for Kenya Airways.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the backbone of East African aviation. With ongoing expansions and modern terminals, it plays a central role in connecting travellers to Kenya’s renowned safaris and national parks.

8. Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers, Algeria)

Location: Algiers, Algeria

Passenger Traffic: About 6.5 million yearly

Key Features:

Major North African hub; modern terminals; convenient city access.

Houari Boumediene Airport is Algeria’s main international entry point. It features spacious terminals, improved baggage systems, and a growing route network supporting regional travel.

9. King Shaka International Airport (Durban, South Africa)

Location: Durban, South Africa

Passenger Traffic: Over 5 million yearly

Key Features:

Modern facilities; close to Durban’s coastline; strong domestic and regional role.

King Shaka International Airport is known for its clean design, efficiency, and sustainability-focused infrastructure. It is an important gateway for travellers visiting KwaZulu-Natal.

10. Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe, Uganda)

Location: Entebbe, Uganda

Passenger Traffic: Nearly 2 million yearly

Key Features:

Uganda’s largest airport; ongoing expansions; located near Lake Victoria.

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s primary aviation gateway. Recent upgrades, including expanded terminals and enhanced security systems, are boosting its capacity as a rising East African hub.