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Airports in South Africa act as entry points to different landscapes, cities, and well-known tourist sites which makes travel easy and comfortable for any type of traveler. Important airports like Tambo International located in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport are busy airports that link South Africa to the rest of the globe. King Shaka International Airport in Durban is situated near the sea and offers tropical charm whereas other smaller airports offer direct access to world-famous game reserves and scenic drives along the coast.
The Ultimate Guide To Airports In South Africa
The airports in South Africa have such modern comforts and also have nice views enabling every type of traveller a smooth experience.
1. Cape Town International Airport
Photo: Olga Ernst / Wikimedia Commons
Cape Town International Airport stands out as the best airport connecting the mother city and the rest of the country. It provides top-notch travel services including facilities for inbound and outbound passengers. Famous for its breathtaking views of Table Mountain, fast services and large duty-free shops, this airport is the place where everyone wants to be. With a range of restaurants and lounges offering various facilities, it offers both ease and relaxation. Besides the green policies that they have in place, this airport has to be one of the least carbon-emitting in the continent of Africa.
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Major Attractions: Table Mountain views, shopping, lounges
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Cape Town; also connected by rail and bus services
2. O.R. Tambo International Airport
Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons
Oliver Tambo International Airport holds the No. 1 position in the list of biggest airports in South Africa. Located in Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo International Airport is the largest and busiest Airport in Africa. Praised for having a wide array of amenities, this airport gives the passengers a lot in terms of shopping, wining and dining, and providing access to comfortable lounges. This centre connects the rest of the world with Southern Africa making it an important centre for visitors. This is a very busy airport equipped with modern facilities and includes multilingual staff to handle international guests.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Major Attractions: Duty-free shopping, lounges, art installations
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road, Gautrain, and bus services
3. Port Elizabeth International Airport
Photo: Bair175 / Wikimedia Commons
Port Elizabeth International Airport or “The Friendly City” airport is an access point into the Eastern Cape coastal region. It has been rated highly due to its check-in to boarding walk which takes almost no time and is very straightforward. This small airport caters to those travelling to the Garden Route, Addo Elephant Park and the surrounding beaches. It is compact but contains the basic amenities of a cafe and car hire services. Per year almost 2.0 million passengers use this airport.
Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Major Attractions: Easy check-in, cafes, beach access
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Port Elizabeth city centre
4. King Shaka International Airport
Photo: Kieron Thwaites / Wikimedia Commons
King Shaka International Airport, situated in Durban, is a sophisticated airport that provides breathtaking views of the sea upon arrival or departure. Famed for its unconventional design based on Zulu culture, this airport serves as an entry point for tourists who want to enjoy the beaches, cultural attractions, and game reserves found in KwaZulu-Natal. The airport has a range of retail and food services, while also providing passenger service operations to ensure a comfortable experience. In just 7 years this airport developed hugely and now it made its entry into the list of top international airports in Africa.
Location: Durban, South Africa
Major Attractions: Zulu architecture, ocean views, shopping
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Durban, with shuttles and taxis available
5. East London Airport
Photo: Danie van der Merwe / Wikimedia Commons
East London Airport is also the gateway towards the east of the country which is the less discovered coast. It has easy access to attractions within the Eastern Cape such as game parks and unspoiled cliffs, with pleasant check-in services and screens with views of the sea. The airport is known to provide amicable and effective services and even contains essential services suitable for those who wish to connect in transit without much hassle. The name of this airport has been revised to King Phalo Airport.
Location: East London, South Africa
Major Attractions: Coastal views, relaxed transit, nearby reserves
How To Reach: Accessible by road from East London, with public transport options available
6. Kimberley Airport
Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
In close proximity to Kimberley, the historical diamond capital of South Africa, lies Kimberley Airport. This small airport is quite useful and efficient for people wanting to travel around the vast interior of South Africa. The tourists can even get a glimpse of The Big Hole which is a historic mining pit located a few minutes’ drive from the airport. The airport is small, hence easy and fast to get around. Its position is perfect for tourists who wish to go to the Big Hole or nearby museums. The walls and the furniture inside the airport depict the history of diamond mining.
Location: Kimberley, South Africa
Major Attractions: Proximity to The Big Hole, historical significance
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Kimberley town centre
7. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Photo: BlogDeBanderas / Wikimedia Commons
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is the primary entry point for travellers intending to visit Kruger National Park on safari, with most tourists flying into this airport. It has an African-inspired architecture consisting of a thatched roof so that visitors can get a glimpse of the local culture as soon as they get in. The airport presents a cosy travel feeling where the traveller can find restaurants, and gift shops and even make a safari booking at the airport. Upon arrival, the exterior design provides the travellers with the impression of an African safari. National Park Kruger is an easy shuttle away from the airport.
Location: Nelspruit, South Africa
Major Attractions: African-themed architecture, safari access
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Nelspruit and nearby towns
8. Upington Airport
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
Upington Airport is located in the Northern Cape and is a small-sized, but functional airport with one of the longest runways in Africa. The airport is close to the Kalahari Desert as well as Augrabies Falls making it a suitable destination for those interested in beautiful sights and outdoor activities. Although the airport provides basic amenities, the level of services offered to the visitors is comfortable and efficient for a traveller going to this amazing part of the world.
Location: Upington, South Africa
Major Attractions: Kalahari proximity, long runway, desert access
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Upington and nearby areas
9. Johannesburg Lanseria Airport
Photo: IndiaEcho / Wikimedia Commons
For passengers flying to or from Johannesburg, Lanseria International Airport presents itself as a hassle-free airport alternative to O. R. Tambo. As it is more efficient and less busy, Lanseria has great amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and car hire services. Lanseria is conveniently located in the northern suburbs of the city making it one of the best options for both business and leisure trips. Premium luxurious passengers also enjoy the VIP service and priority boarding with up-to-date facilities.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Major Attractions: Efficient check-ins, lounges, quick city access
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Johannesburg’s northern suburbs
10. Mthatha Airport
Photo: keamogetswe Molotsane / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mthatha Airport provides access to the picturesque rural areas of the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, including the town where Nelson Mandela was born. The airport’s purpose is to provide visitors with an easy and enjoyable experience while discovering the history and the rough terrain. It is utilised by tourists visiting South Africa’s countryside for simple travel, as it provides only basic facilities. This airport has asphalt paved runways and grass runways.
Location: Mthatha, South Africa
Major Attractions: Proximity to Mandela sites, cultural heritage
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Mthatha
The airports in South Africa offer a friendly atmosphere to the visitors and a passageway to experience the remarkable beauty of the Country. Some of the airports in South Africa include the busiest airport O. R. Tambo International in Johannesburg city, King Shaka International in Durban or Cape Town International facing Table Mountain. Each airport has its unique charm and offers a catering experience. Know more about these airports in South Africa with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Olga Ernst / Wikimedia Commons
