Africa’s 5 best airports (2025 ranking)

Since humans are not known to be static, traveling has defined human existence as far back as biblical times. But here’s what’s up: The days of camels and horses have since been over, parting ways for a faster airplane traveling channel. 

As you know, these airplanes can not be found on streets but are only accessible in canopied locations called airports. In Africa, there are more airports than the total number of your feet and fingers, but not all of them pass the test on bestness in remarkable facilities and designs, impressive services, and positive customer experience. 

This article will introduce you to the five best airports in Africa and what to expect if you decide to visit one or all five. 

Stay alert as we get right into this!

1. cape town international airport(cpt)

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Airport type: Public 

Year of Opening: 1954

Owners/operators: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

Website link: airports.co.za

Building cost: R3.5 billion

Cape Town International Airport is ranked as the first-best airport in Africa, having won the title for six consecutive years. It is also recognized for its cleanliness and staff service.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is widely regarded as Africa’s premier airport, consistently topping rankings for its cleanliness, efficiency, and welcoming atmosphere. Located 20 km from Cape Town’s city center in the Matroosfontein district, it replaced the old Wingfield Aerodrome and was initially named after Prime Minister DF Malan. The airport was renamed after the end of apartheid and came under the management of ACSA, which has overseen its rapid growth and modernization.

A major upgrade ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup transformed CPT into a world-class facility. Separate international and domestic terminals are connected by a central terminal for all check-ins. The airport handles over 10 million passengers annually, making it the third-largest in Africa.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT Terminals) holds: 

• A central terminal building (CTB) with split levels, departures upstairs, and arrivals downstairs.

• Elevated roadways provide access to both levels.

• Check-in desks (120) and self-service kiosks (20) are all in CTB.

• Security screening which allows passengers to proceed to International (north) or Domestic (south) terminals.

• 10 air bridges split evenly between domestic and international flights, with bus transfers used for remote stands.

• An automated baggage system that handles 30,000 bags/hour; luggage collected in older terminal sections before moving to CTB.

• The International Terminal (Terminal A), located on the north side, houses customs, immigration, lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, prayer rooms, conference rooms, airline offices, and chapels.

• The Domestic Terminal (Terminal B), on the south side, offers similar facilities except no immigration services.

Facilities and services

• Retail outlets landside (arrivals) and airside (departures) include duty-free, foreign exchange, bookstores, clothing, groceries, and souvenirs.

• Restaurants on the 3rd floor above departures include Ocean Basket, Mugg & Bean, Primi Cafe, Wimpy, and Africa’s largest Spur (1,080 m²).

• Lounges (Bidvest, South African Airways) plus Woolworths Food store on the 4th floor.

• A glass curtain wall overlooks the airside apron from the restaurant level.

Additional amenities

• Banking (Nedbank, ABSA), ATMs, foreign exchange, post office, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi are available in key areas.

• Car rental kiosks opposite the Domestic Terminal in the multi-storey parkade.

• Disabled access with lifts (Braille signage), ramps, golf cart service, and wheelchair-accessible shuttles.

• 24-hour medical clinic, chapels, Muslim prayer rooms, and baby changing facilities.

• An ExecuJet facility close to the main runway’s southern end, providing specialized services for business jets.

• Two hotels are within the airport precinct: Hotel Verde, a four-star property operated by Bon Hotels, recognized as one of Africa’s most environmentally friendly hotels, and Road Lodge, a budget-friendly accommodation part of the City Lodge hotel group.

• The airport’s ground transport is equally efficient, with a dedicated Transport Plaza, MyCiti bus station, metered taxis, shuttle services, and extensive parking for nearly 6,000 vehicles.

Passenger airlines and destinations

Cargo airlines and destinations

What are people saying about Cape Town International Airport?

Travelers consistently praise CPT for its comfortable seating, rest zones, and overall sense of safety and hospitality. The combination of practical amenities, efficient operations, and a welcoming environment makes it a favorite among both local and international passengers

2. king shaka international airport (ksia)

Location: La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (35 km north of Durban)

Airport type: Public 

Year of Opening: 2010

Owners/operators: Dube Tradeport Corporation (cargo terminal); Airports Company South Africa (passenger terminal)

Designers: Osmond Lange Architects and Planners

Building cost: R6, 800, 000,000

King Shaka International Airport is ranked as the second-best airport in Africa and also holds the title of Best Regional Airport in Africa

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) serves Durban and the greater KwaZulu-Natal region. It was opened on May 1, just 41 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It replaced the old Durban International Airport and was designed to accommodate future international air traffic growth.

What to expect to see when you visit;

• Passenger Terminal Facilities and Amenities are located at the southern end of the airport. They are split into two levels: the lower floor for arrivals and the upper floor for departures.  It covers a total floor area of 102,000 m² (1,100,000 sq ft). And can take a passenger capacity of 7.5 million per year.

The check-in concourse on the upper floor consists of:

•  72 check-in counters.

• 18 self-service kiosks.

• Ticket offices for airlines

• Separate domestic and international security checkpoints.

• Departure lounges and boarding gates follow security.

• Aircraft parking a total of 34 bays.

• 16 jet bridges.

The arrivals area on the lower floor includes:

• Baggage reclaim hall with 5 conveyors for domestic and international flights.

• Retail shops: 52 across the terminal.

• Retail space of 6,500 m² (70,000 sq ft).

• Piazza area immediately outside the terminal.

• No public viewing deck; alternative vantage points available on elevated departures drop-off road and elsewhere on airport grounds.

• The International Terminal (located on the left/northern side) includes two A380 docking bays that accommodate four A330 aircraft.

Cargo terminal facilities and operations

• Situated north of the passenger terminal, near the center of the airport precinct.

• Initial size: 15,000 m² (160,000 sq ft).

• Initial cargo capacity: 150,000 metric tons (165,000 short tons) per year.

• A long-term expansion is planned to 100,000 m² (1,100,000 sq ft) and 1,000,000 metric tons capacity annually.

• Part of Dube TradePort’s Trade Zone Precinct (36 hectares/89 acres), which includes warehousing, logistics, and light industry with fast air cargo access.

Development projects include:

• 60,000 m² and 15,000 m² facilities by Shree Property Holdings.

• The Samsung TV production plant planned to increase output from 500,000 to 1 million flat screens.

• Objective: recapture local air freight traffic currently transported by road to Johannesburg.

• KwaZulu-Natal produces ~25,000 metric tons of air cargo annually.

On the customer experience front, passengers give King Shaka International Airport a thumbs up for its architectural design, cleanliness, and efficient operations. The airport’s layout ensures quick transitions between check-ins, security, and boarding. At the same time, the friendly staff contribute to a positive travel experience. Its integration with the Dube TradePort positions it as a key economic driver for the region.

Passenger airlines and destinations

Notes:

The Qatar Airways flight includes a stopover in Maputo but is not permitted to transport passengers solely between Durban and Maputo.

Turkish Airlines operates via Johannesburg but is not authorized to carry passengers only between Durban and Johannesburg.

Cargo airlines and destinations

3. or tambo international airport (ortia)

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (Kempton Park, Gauteng)

Airport type: Public 

Opened:1952

Owners/operators: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

Production cost: Initially £6.2 million with an additional R120,000,000 in December 1993 for upgrades 

Website: ortambo-airport.com

OR Tambo International Airport is ranked third in Africa and is notable for being the continent’s busiest airport

OR Tambo International Airport, named in 2006 after anti-apartheid icon Oliver Reginald Tambo, is Africa’s busiest and largest airport. It lies about 23 kilometers east of Johannesburg’s city center, at an elevation of approximately 5,558 feet (1,694 meters) above sea level in Iturb of Kempton Park, and around 46 kilometers south of Pretoria, strategically within the Gauteng province’s economic heartland. 

The airport is designed to efficiently handle large passenger volumes, with clear signage and modern baggage handling systems.

Significant recent renovations and expansions have been completed at the airport, increasing its capacity to accommodate up to 20 million passengers annually. The OR Tambo Airport annual passenger statistics recorded a total of 17,852,569 passengers for 2023/2024.

Thinking facilities and services, OR Tambo offers:

• Multiple terminals: International terminals (A1, A2), Domestic terminals, and Transit terminals (mostly demolished).

• A New Central Terminal Building (CTB) was completed in 2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with three levels: arrivals (Level 1), retail/commercial (Level 2), departures (Level 3).

• CTB links domestic and international terminals with a central check-in area and additional gates.

• International Pier opened in 2009; cost R535 million.

• The pier has nine additional airside contact stands, four of which are compatible with Airbus A380.

• Expanded duty-free mall and lounges in International Pier.

• A multi-storey parkade opposite CTB which was built in 2010.

• Gautrain Rapid Rail Link station located above CTB.

• 11,500 parking bays.

• Extensive shopping and dining options, including luxury boutiques and international brands.

• Premium lounges, showers, and rest areas.

• On-site hotels and conference facilities.

• Banks, foreign exchange, medical clinics, and a prayer room.

• Direct access to the Gautrain rapid rail system, linking the airport with Sandton, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Passenger airlines and destinations

• Some flights operate via intermediate stops and cannot transport passengers solely between specific segments (e.g., Qatar Airways via Maputo and Turkish Airlines via Johannesburg).

• Certain routes operate seasonally or resume on specific dates (e.g., Qantas to Perth resuming December 2025).

• Singapore Airlines flights between Singapore and Cape Town include a stopover in Johannesburg but do not carry passengers solely between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Cargo airlines and destinations

Passengers appreciate the airport’s spacious layout, variety of services, and the professionalism of its staff. As a central transit point, it sets the standard for African aviation infrastructure and service.

4. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

Location: Plaine Magnien, near Port Louis, Mauritius

Airport type: Public

Year of Opening: 1942 (current terminal inaugurated in 2024)

Owners/operators: Airports of Mauritius Co. Ltd. (AML)

Building cost: US$305 million

Website: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius has consistently won the ACI award for Best Airport in Africa in its passenger category for three years. 

Named after the first prime minister of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), formerly known as the Plaisance Airport, is the primary international gateway to Mauritius. It is strategically located at Plaine Magnien, about 48 km southeast of the capital city, Port Louis. Since its opening in 1942 as a military airfield, the airport has evolved into a modern, world-class facility that reflects Mauritius’s growing prominence as a global tourist and business destination.

The airport recently underwent a landmark transformation with the inauguration of a new passenger terminal in August 2024, a project that doubled its passenger handling capacity to 4.5 million annually. This 57,000 square meter terminal was developed over three years with a $305 million investment, primarily funded by the Government of Mauritius with support from the China Exim Bank. 

Designed and built by Aéroports de Paris Management (ADPM) in partnership with Airport Terminal Operations Limited (ATOL), the new terminal blends cutting-edge technology with an eco-friendly design inspired by Mauritius’s Indigenous Traveller’s Tree, symbolizing the island’s unique natural heritage.

Facilities and amenities 

• The new terminal at MRU offers a spacious, light-filled environment with lush indoor gardens that create a welcoming, resort-like atmosphere for travelers. 

• There are efficient and streamlined immigration and customs processes to minimize wait times.

• Multiple lounges, including VIP and business class options, provide comfort and exclusivity.

• Extensive duty-free shopping spanning 2,200 square meters, operated by Mauritius Duty Free Paradise, offering a wide array of luxury goods and local products.

• A diverse selection of restaurants and cafes showcasing Mauritian and international cuisine.

• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

• Comprehensive passenger services, including currency exchange, car rentals, and baggage handling.

• Convenient ground transportation options such as taxis, buses, and ample parking facilities.

• Lastly, the terminal is fully equipped to accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing Dreamliner, supporting the airport’s role as a key hub for long-haul flights connecting Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Passenger service 

Travelers consistently praise Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport for its efficiency, comfort, and cultural charm. The terminal’s design reflects Mauritius’s vibrant environment and heritage, enhancing the sense of arrival in a tropical paradise. Also, passengers appreciate the airport’s cleanliness, friendly and professional staff, and smooth check-in, security, and boarding flow.

Beyond passenger services, the airport is a significant economic driver for Mauritius, contributing about 15% to the country’s GDP and supporting over 7,000 jobs. The expansion project also included upgrades to the runway and apron, enabling the airport to handle increased traffic and larger aircraft, positioning MRU among Africa’s best airports.

Passenger airlines and their destinations

Cargo airlines and destinations

5. kigali international airport

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Airport type: Civil aviation airport

Year of Opening: 1978

Owners/Operators: Rwanda Airports Authority (RAA)

Building cost:N/A

Standing just a short distance—approximately 5 kilometers—from the heart of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali International Airport (KGL), formerly known as Kanombe International Airport, has emerged as one of Africa’s most efficient and well-regarded airports. 

Since its establishment in 1978, the airport has undergone state-of-the-art modernization and expansion, positioning itself as a vital aviation hub for East and Central Africa and the principal gateway into Rwanda.

Passenger airlines and destinations

Cargo airlines and destinations

Over the past decade, Kigali International has seen continuous upgrades to its infrastructure and passenger services, reflecting Rwanda’s broader ambitions to become a regional business and tourism center. The Rwanda Airports Authority (RAA) has also played a crucial role in overseeing these developments, ensuring that the airport meets international standards in safety, security, and passenger comfort.

The airport contains:

• Well-maintained terminals equipped with contemporary amenities.

• Streamlined immigration and security checkpoints that minimize delays.

• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

• Comfortable lounges offer quiet spaces for relaxation or business needs.

• A variety of dining options ranging from local cuisine to international fare.

• Retail outlets featuring duty-free shopping and local crafts.

• Ample parking spaces and convenient access to taxis, car rentals, and shuttle services.

Despite its relatively modest size compared to larger African airports, KGL consistently ranks highly in passenger satisfaction surveys. The airport is known for maintaining a calm and orderly environment, contributing to a stress-free travel experience. Passengers often highlight the efficiency of check-in and security procedures and the spotless condition of the facilities.

Its commitment to safety and customer service excellence has earned it recognition as one of the continent’s top airports. Travelers frequently commend Kigali International Airport for its professionalism and the courteous nature of its staff. 

To wrap things up, 

It’s apparent that these airports are much more than just departure points. They represent Africa’s aviation growth and offering. Next time you decide to fly convectively, go on your vision board and create an itinerary that ensures you end up in one, two, or all of these five best airports in Africa. It’ll afford you