Top Airports In South Africa
South Africa is renowned as one of the many gems of the Dark Continent. Travelers visit this country to explore the magnificence of African landscapes. The sight of the splendid golden savannah and breathtakingly beautiful deserts has the power to captivate any visitor. The airports in South Africa play a crucial role in managing the influx of tourists from various parts of the world who come to experience the beauty of this destination. Over the past decade, there has been a significant surge in air transportation volume in South Africa. The major airports in South Africa have proven to be highly efficient in handling the influx of passengers successfully.
Finest Airports In South Africa
For international travelers heading to South Africa, it is vital to have knowledge of the list of international airports in the country in order to book flights conveniently on the desired dates. There are only a handful of international and national airports in South Africa that are worth mentioning due to their historical significance and quality of service. Scroll down and take a look at the list of eight popular airports in South Africa that tirelessly serve passengers with utmost dedication.
1. Oliver Tambo International Airport:
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Oliver Tambo International Airport holds the prime position on the list of largest airports in South Africa. Positioned in Johannesburg, South Africa, this airport not only holds the title of being the biggest but also ranks as the busiest in all of Africa. In 1994, it was renamed from Johannesburg International Airport. Previously, it was known as Jan Smuts International Airport, named after a former Prime Minister of South Africa.
Distance from City: 6.6 KM
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2. Cape Town International Airport:
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Another widely recognized airport in Africa is Cape Town International Airport, which is a mere 20-minute drive from the bustling business hub of Cape Town. Approximately 8.9 to 9.2 million passengers utilize this airport each year, making it the second busiest in all of Africa. This airport commenced operations in 1954 and successfully replaced the previous airport in Cape Town, known as Wingfield Aerodrome. Passengers here have access to both domestic and international terminals. Not only does this airport offer direct flights to Johannesburg and Durban, but it also provides direct flights to various countries in Asia and Europe.
Distance from City: 17.7 Kilometers
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3.King Shaka International Airport:
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From Durban, King Shaka International Airport is only 30 kilometers away. This airport is situated in La Mercy to the north of Durban City. It just 7 years time this airport developed significantly and now it made its entry in the list of top international airports in Africa. The airport initiated passenger serving in the year 2010. As per reports, this airport is capable of handling nearly 5 million passengers every year.
Distance from City: 32.9 Kilometers
4.Port Elizabeth International Airport:
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This renowned airport commenced its operation in the year 1929 and it is famously known as the “Ten Minute Airport”. From the central business district of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, it takes just five minutes to reach this aerodrome. The terminal buildings, runways and the air traffic control building were constructed in the period 1950 to 1955 and officially the airport was opened to the public in the year 1955. The construction for the expanded accommodation for larger aircraft and the departure terminal began in the year 1973. The work was completed in 1980 and the terminal was opened to the passengers in that year. This airport authority manages around 60,000 scheduled flights and 800 cargos. Approximately 2.0 million passengers use this airport every year.
Distance from City: 5.2 Kilometers
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5.Lanseria International Airport:
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It is one of the privately owned aerodromes in South Africa, handling takeoff and landing of global flights. This airport is positioned at the north of Randburg and Sandton. As already stated it is a privately owned aerodrome, it was developed being the brainchild of two pilots from Pretoria. There were Abe Sher and Fanie Haacke. The land on which the aerodrome was built was acquired on a 99-year lease commencing from 1972. After being released from Jail, Nelson Mandela traveled through this aerodrome to Johannesburg. In 2017 the aerodrome authority announced their expansion plan and engaged in discussions with Air Namibia, Air Mauritius, Kenya Airways, and Air Botswana for flight servicing.
Distance from City: 54.7 KM
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6.Kimberley Airport:
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This is a national aerodrome which is situated in The Northern Cape region. It caters to daily domestic flights in South Africa to Cape Town Aerodrome as well as O.R Tambo Aerodrome of Johannesburg. This Aerodrome service is mainly used by the business travelers. The runways are of 46 meters width and 3 kilometers long. There are many notable areas in Kimberley and its surrounding which are explored by visitors. The aerodrome is 10 km away from the center of the city. More than 170,000 passengers are managed and transported annually by the aerodrome. It is one of the remarkable national aerodromes in South Africa.
Distance from City: 9 KM
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7.Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport:
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This aerodrome is situated at Mbombela (Nelspruit) which is recognized to be the entranceway to one of the most renowned worldwide wildlife sanctuary, the Kruger National Park. The aerodrome initiated its operation in the year in October 2002. More than 260000 travelers are catered to by this aerodrome annually. Kruger Mpumalanga International Aerodrome acted as a significant contributor for boosting the tourism trade here in this province of South Africa extensively. It is possessing a traveler capacity of 600000 annually with some expansion strategies in the forthcoming time. The terminal of the aerodrome is designed based on African concept across 7350 square meters of floor space.
Distance from City: 27.5 KM
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The aforementioned aerodromes of South Africa are renowned for providing the finest services to the travelers both national and international. So, on your next journey to South Africa make sure to relish the outstanding service at these aerodromes. The global and domestic aerodromes in South Africa are providing the required assistance in facilitating transportation for the explorers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aerodromes In South Africa
How many aerodromes are there in South Africa?
In South Africa, there are over 90 aerodromes. This list includes both global and domestic aerodromes. Most of the largest aerodromes in SA are owned by the Airports Company of South Africa.
How many global aerodromes are there in South Africa?
There are 23 aerodromes in South Africa.
Are there any lodging facilities accessible near the aerodromes of South Africa?
Yes, South Africa has several aerodromes and lodging facilities for travelers would be accessible near the aerodromes.
Which is the principal aerodrome in South Africa?
O.R. Tambo International Aerodrome is considered as the principal, largest, and the busiest aerodrome in South Africa. It is located in the city of Johannesburg, which receives over 21 million travelers per year.
Which city of South Africa has the maximum number of aerodromes?
Being one of the largest cities in South Africa, Johannesburg has the maximum number of aerodromes. Johannesburg has 3 significant aerodromes in the country. These are Grand Central Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and O.R. Tambo International Aerodrome.
How many airlines of South Africa are connected to India?
Currently, there aren’t any direct flights connected to India from South Africa. Before 2015, SAA was the only airline in South Africa which was directly connected with India. But now the SAA airline comes to India via Abu Dhabi.
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What are the top-rated airlines in South Africa?
South Africa possesses multiple airlines that are connected with countries such as England, India, and the United States of America. Some of the finest airlines in South Africa include South African Express, South African Airways (SAA), and Comair.
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Can I avail Indian cuisine during flights within South Africa?
Generally, the airlines operational in South Africa do not offer Indian meals.
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