Skytrax, a renowned global organisation that ranks airlines across the world in its latest report, has adjudged Durban King Shaka Airport in South Africa as the best airport on the African continent.
Having a smooth airport experience can have a significant impact on one’s flight experience.
Some airports in Africa are particularly notable for the excellent amenities, services, and general traveller experiences they provide.
However, Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA) missed out on the top 10 list of the best airports in Africa.
As per the report, an airport that primarily handles domestic or regional international flights is considered a regional airport for this awards process. Short-haul and regional markets are the main focus, while a few intercontinental routes may also be served.
Below are the top 10 international airports in Africa in 2024:
1. Durban King Shaka Airport (South Africa)
The best international airport in Africa is King Shaka International Airport, which shines like a beacon of brilliance. The terminal can accommodate 7.5 million people annually with a total floor area of 102,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft).
2. Marrakech Airport (Morocco)
Marrakech International Airport, situated in Morocco, acts as the primary entry point to one of the nation’s most lively and culturally diverse cities. Its two air terminals, spanning 22,000 square meters (236,806 square feet), are equipped to accommodate up to 2,500,000 passengers annually.
3. Kigali Airport (Rwanda)
Kigali International Airport, previously named Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport, features contemporary amenities and infrastructure, highlighted by a unified terminal capable of accommodating diverse aircraft sizes.
The airport holds regional significance, facilitating travel to cities in Congo, Burundi, and Uganda. Its terminal structure is designed to manage up to 1.5 million passengers annually.
4. Port Elizabeth Airport (South Africa)
Formerly known as H. F. Verwoerd Airport, Port Elizabeth Airport provides connections to and from major cities such as Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town, and East London.
With an annual passenger volume exceeding 1.2 million, the airport manages over 60,000 scheduled flights and handles more than 800 tons of cargo annually.
5. Bloemfontein Airport (South Africa)
Bloemfontein Airport, now known as Bram Fischer International Airport since its renaming in 2012 by President Jacob Zuma, boasts a world-class airport operation serving over 300,000 passengers and facilitating 17,000 air traffic movements annually.
6. East London Airport (South Africa)
East London Airport (ELS), although compact, is a bustling hub that caters to the needs of East London in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. The airport manages a daily influx of 20 to 30 flights, facilitating the annual arrival of 946,000 passengers to the city.
7. Entebbe Airport (Uganda)
The British Colonial authorities chose to open Entebbe International Airport because of its strategic position on Lake Victoria. Positioned exactly on the equator at latitude 00.020 North and longitude 320 East, the airport has gained the nickname “Airport on the Equator.”
8. Antananarivo Airport (Madagascar)
Antananarivo Ivato International Airport features two primary terminals: one dedicated to domestic flights and another for international flights. In December 2021, a newly constructed terminal became operational.
The airport welcomed more than 1 million passengers in 2019, marking the first instance of reaching this milestone in two decades.
9. Rabat Airport (Morocco)
Rabat Airport, located in Salé, Morocco, fulfills dual roles as a civilian and military aviation facility. It serves not only the capital city of Rabat but also meets the air travel requirements of the broader region, providing essential connectivity and services to both civilian and military aircraft.
10. Luanda Airport (Angola)
Luanda International Airport, identified by its IATA code LAD, serves as Angola’s primary international airport, connecting the capital city Luanda with other parts of the country and international destinations. It plays a vital role in facilitating air travel and connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.