Skytrax, a globally known airline assessment organization, recently unveiled a 2023 report on the Best Airports in Africa. The findings highlight South Africa’s dominance in the region, with notable contributions from Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, and Mauritius.
Below is a list of the Top 10 best International Airports in Africa in 2023
1. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
As a leading international hub, Cape Town International Airport boasts modern infrastructure and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Impressively, it accommodates 4.13 passengers per 10 square meters daily, catering to a discerning crowd.
Cape Town International Airport is Africa’s 3rd largest airport. It is also Africa’s premier tourist and VIP destination and has established a reputation as Africa’s premier international award-winning airport, consistently performing among the best in the world for service in its category.
2. King Shaka International Airport, South Africa
Situated in Durban, and also referred to as Durban International Airport, King Shaka International Airport stands out as an epitome of excellence among Africa’s top international airports. Its expansive terminal, covering 102,000 square meters, has the capacity to handle 7.5 million passengers annually.
King Shaka International Airport opened in May 2010. This world class facility offers a host of features to make your traveling experience as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. .There are also various accommodation establishments around King Shaka International Airport listed and categorized by area, a feature that makes it a top airport on the African continent.
3. Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa
Johannesburg – OR Tambo International Airport serves as the primary hub for both domestic and international travel in South Africa. Since 2020, it has held the position as Africa’s fifth busiest airport, with a yearly capacity for 28 million passengers.
Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport on the continent of Africa. Formerly, Jan Smuts Airport, Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is one of the few airports in the world with scheduled passenger direct flights between all 6 inhabited continents and also serves as a continental gateway to many sub-Saharan countries.
4. Casablanca International Airport, Morocco
In 2022, Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport managed 7.6 million passengers, securing its place among the top 10 busiest airports in Africa. It serves as a crucial hub for Royal Air Maroc, Royal Air Maroc Express, and Air Arabia Maroc.
Crowned as the country’s largest airport, with IATA CMN and ICAO GMMN codes, it was named after one of the most emblematic figures in Moroccan history: Mohammed V, King of Morocco until his death in 1961. The airport brilliantly perpetuates this image of development, with its dynamism and positioning among the busiest airports on the African continent.
5. Mauritius International Airport
Renowned for its strategic gateway status, Mauritius International Airport offers direct flights to Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Its commitment to passenger satisfaction and prime location further solidify its standing.
Most international flights to and from Mauritius arrive and depart from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (Mauritius) International Airport (IATA: MRU). The airport, formerly known as Plaisance Airport, is home to Air Mauritius, the country’s official airline, and offers direct flights to several cities in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
6. Marrakech International Airport, Morocco
Marrakech International Airport serves as an international facility connecting Europe, the Arab world, and soon North America. Its terminals are designed to handle 2.5 million passengers annually.
Marrakesh Airport is served by a number of airlines, including national carriers such as Royal Air Maroc and budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. It offers direct flights to many major European cities, as well as destinations in Africa and the Middle East.
7. Addis Ababa International Airport, Ethiopia
Formerly known as Haile Selassie I International Airport, Addis Ababa International Airport serves as the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. It plays a vital role in connecting Ethiopia and Africa to Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the major hub for Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest airports in Africa. This spacious terminal handles all international flights with its 21st-century facilities, which are designed to speed up your departure and arrival.
8. Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Serving Kigali, Kigali International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting cities in Congo, Burundi, and Uganda. The terminal accommodates 1.5 million passengers annually.
Kigali International Airport, formerly known as Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport, is the primary airport serving Kigali. The Airport is home to RwandAir, the national carrier, Astral Aviation, Uganda Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Fly Dubai, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Martinair, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
9. Nairobi International Airport, Kenya
A key connection point to East African destinations, Nairobi International Airport has quadrupled its capacity to host 26.5 million passengers yearly.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, formerly called Embakasi Airport and Nairobi International Airport, is Kenya’s largest aviation facility, and the busiest airport in East Africa boasting of over 40 passenger airlines and 25 cargo airlines.
10. Bram Fischer International Airport, South Africa
Formerly known as Bloemfontein International Airport and now Bram Fischer International Airport, this economic hub hosts over 300,000 passengers and facilitates 17,000 air traffic movements annually.
Bloemfontein meaning ‘Fountain of Flowers’ in English, was established in the 1800s is the capital city of The Free State Province and is the seventh largest city in South Africa.
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