Exploring South Africa's Airport Network: A Comprehensive Overview

South Africa is home to over 400 airports and airstrips, making it the leading country in Africa in terms of airport ownership. These airports vary in size and capabilities, from bustling international hubs like OR Tambo International Airport to small regional airstrips catering to local communities and aviation enthusiasts. They collectively contribute to South Africa's regional air connectivity, supporting tourism, agriculture, mining, and other local economic activities.

South Africa has over 400 airports and airstrips, the most in Africa

South Africa's airports cater to a diverse range of aviation needs. While OR Tambo serves as the country's biggest and busiest airport, regional airports like Lanseria offer quieter alternatives for travellers. These smaller airports are mainly used by people in the northern and western parts of Joburg and Gauteng.

Cape Town International Airport, owned by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), is ranked among the best airports globally for its work culture and passenger experience. ACSA also owns the airport in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth International Airport), which is situated within a five-minute drive from the city's central business district.

King Shaka International Airport in Durban, established in 2010, replaced the city's old international airport. With its wide range of airports, South Africa ranks 20th globally in terms of airport ownership, ahead of other African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.

OR Tambo International Airport is South Africa's biggest airport

There are 90 airports in South Africa, including international airports, domestic airports, military airports and private airports. The biggest of these is O.R. Tambo International Airport, which is also the busiest airport in South Africa and one of the busiest airports in Africa. It is located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, and serves the twin cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. The airport is served by 38 international airlines, nine regional airlines and eight domestic airlines, and it sees 22 million passengers and 220,000 aircraft movements every year. O.R. Tambo International Airport has excellent road infrastructure, linking it to the national road network and rail transport. It services airlines from five continents and plays a vital role in serving the local, regional, intra- and inter-continental air transport needs of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Cape Town International Airport is ranked among the best airports globally

South Africa is home to over 400 airports and airstrips, catering to a diverse range of aviation needs. From bustling international hubs to small regional airstrips catering to local communities, private businesspeople and aviation enthusiasts.

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is ranked among the best airports globally. In 2023, it was ranked the third-best airport in the world by AirHelp, the world's largest air passenger rights organisation. AirHelp evaluated 4,000 airports based on flight traffic data and reports from air travellers. The deciding factors included on-time performance, which contributed 60% to the score.

In 2024, CTIA was ranked among the Top 10 Best Airports in the World by AirHelp, securing second place. AirHelp evaluated 239 airports from 69 countries based on flights taken from 1 May of the previous year to 30 April of the current year.

CTIA is owned by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and was established in 1954. It was once proposed that the airport be renamed to Krotoa Airport or Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Airport, but after a public consultation meeting in 2018, the renaming process was abandoned without a recommendation. CTIA serves wide-body carriers for international routes and smaller planes for domestic and regional flights.

Lanseria Airport is home to various charter private companies

South Africa has an advanced air traffic infrastructure that has grown steadily in recent decades. The main transportation hubs are Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, which offer international and domestic flights. There are 90 airports in South Africa, including Lanseria Airport, which is home to various charter private companies.

Lanseria Airport is South Africa's only privately owned international airport, able to handle aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 757-300. It is located north of Randburg and Sandton, and north-west of Johannesburg. The airport, which originated as a grass strip airfield, has expanded over the years and now offers visitors restaurants, duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi, and private luxury lounges.

Lanseria is the charter airport in South Africa, offering luxurious jets for all forms of travel. Private jet charters are a great way to travel the skies, offering efficiency, privacy, comfort, and excellent customer service. With years of private jet charter experience, Lanseria Airport can provide the perfect private jet charter for your flight.

King Shaka International Airport replaced the old Durban International Airport in 2010

South Africa has over 400 airports, which vary in size and capabilities. One of these is King Shaka International Airport, which opened in May 2010, 41 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It replaced Durban International Airport, which was located in a prime industrial area. The new airport is located in La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 35 km north of Durban's city centre. It is three times bigger than Durban International Airport and has five times as many shops. It is also a key airport for domestic services throughout South Africa, serving the "Golden Triangle" between Cape Town International Airport, O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and KSIA itself. The airport was designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners and cost R 6,800,000,000 (about US$900 million). It has the advantage of sea-level operation, as opposed to Johannesburg's high altitude, and is also near the Port of Durban, the busiest seaport in the Southern Hemisphere.

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