In Summary
- Cairo International Airport tops the continent with 18.7 million passengers according to the latest records.
- Egypt is unique, having three airports in the top 10 — Cairo, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada — thanks to its strong tourism and infrastructure.
- All five major African regions — North, West, East, Central, and Southern — have representation in the rankings, indicating balanced growth in aviation across the continent.
Deep Dive!
By 2025, what do Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa share? Their airports are pivotal in a rapidly developing continent.
Africa’s aviation industry is not merely bouncing back from previous global disruptions; it is advancing swiftly. Increasing numbers of people are flying for business, tourism, education, and migration, while governments invest heavily in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity. This has led to a significant uptick in passenger volumes across the continent. From the soaring passenger counts in Cairo to the tourist growth in Cape Town, these airports are essential in linking Africa with the global community. Here’s a look at the ten busiest airports in Africa as we head into 2025, based on the latest official passenger statistics from airport officials and ACI reports.
10. Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers, Algeria)
Algeria’s Houari Boumediene Airport welcomed over 7 million passengers, ranking it as the tenth busiest in Africa. It functions as the primary international airport for the country and serves as a key hub for Air Algérie. Its location in North Africa is strategically important for connecting Africa with Europe, generating strong passenger traffic from countries like France, Spain, and Italy. The airport has recently undergone facility upgrades, including a new terminal capable of accommodating up to 10 million passengers annually, showcasing Algeria’s aspirations in the aviation sector.
9. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya)
With 7.84 million passengers, Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the busiest hub in East Africa. It serves as the primary entry point to Kenya, supporting tourism, trade, and business travel across the region. Nairobi’s location makes it a favorable transit point between Africa, Asia, and Europe. The airport also handles significant cargo traffic and is the base for Kenya Airways, connecting the city to numerous destinations worldwide. Plans for expansion are underway to boost capacity and modernize its terminals.
8. Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca, Morocco)
Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, with 8.68 million passengers, is Morocco’s busiest and one of North Africa’s key airports. It acts as a crucial hub for Royal Air Maroc, boasting a vast network that links West Africa to Europe and the Americas. The airport plays a vital role in connecting Francophone African nations to significant global markets and is one of the few African airports with direct flights to Canada and Brazil. Its contributions have strengthened Morocco’s influence in the aviation landscape.
7. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos, Nigeria)
Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport served 8.24 million passengers, solidifying its status as the busiest airport in West Africa. It is Nigeria’s main international airport, facilitating connections for West African travelers to Europe, the Middle East, and other regions in Africa. Lagos Airport manages more than two-thirds of Nigeria’s international air traffic and remains essential for business and migrant travel. Despite ongoing infrastructure challenges, upgrades and private investments aim to modernize its facilities and improve operations.
6. Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town, South Africa)
During the 2023/2024 financial year, Cape Town International Airport recorded over 10 million passengers, signaling a robust recovery after the pandemic. As South Africa’s second busiest airport, it is a prime destination for both international and local travelers. Its popularity is particularly linked to the thriving tourism sector in the Western Cape, with high seasonal traffic from Europe and the United States. Consistently recognized for its service excellence and cleanliness, the airport has garnered awards, highlighting its status as one of Africa’s best airports. The success of Cape Town reflects the strength of South Africa’s tourism and effective airport management.
5. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa Bole International…
Bole Airport handled 12.1 million travelers, solidifying its position as one of Africa’s key aviation centers. Located at the continent’s heart, it is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest-growing airlines in Africa. The airport has become a crucial transit spot between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly for connecting flights. Over the years, it has expanded to include a new terminal and enhanced logistics, enabling it to manage a higher volume of passengers and international cargo. Additionally, Addis Ababa’s status as a diplomatic capital boosts its significance in global air travel.
4. OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Handling 12.27 million passengers, OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is the busiest airport in Southern Africa. Known for its advanced aviation facilities, it uniquely offers direct flights to every inhabited continent. This airport caters to both business travelers and tourists, handling a high volume of both domestic and international flights. It also serves as South Africa’s main cargo hub and is a significant link for long-haul flights. The airport’s continued importance underscores the robustness of South Africa’s air transport infrastructure and its global partnerships.
3. Hurghada International Airport (Hurghada, Egypt)
With 12.35 million passengers, Hurghada International Airport primarily serves tourists from Europe visiting Egypt’s Red Sea resorts. It is an essential hub for charter and seasonal flights, particularly from Germany, Russia, and the UK. The airport has undergone regular upgrades and supports tourism-friendly policies, making it one of the fastest-growing air hubs in Egypt. Hurghada’s appeal to international visitors sustains its passenger numbers, even though it mainly operates straightforward leisure flights rather than complex hub services.
2. Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt)
Ranking second in Africa, Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport welcomed 13.15 million passengers. Located on the Sinai Peninsula, this airport is vital to Egypt’s tourism industry, particularly for package holidays and seasonal travelers from Europe. It has seen considerable investments in infrastructure, especially during major events like the COP27 climate summit, which temporarily increased international traffic and capacity. Sharm El-Sheikh has established itself as a key international destination, famed for its pleasant weather and diving resorts, along with efficient tourist handling.
1. Cairo International Airport (Cairo, Egypt)
Cairo International Airport leads with 18.7 million passengers, making it Africa’s busiest airport. It acts as Egypt’s main entry point and a central hub for both domestic and international flights. With three major terminals and wide-ranging flight connections to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and other African nations, Cairo is an essential link in global air travel. Its importance has been enhanced by national airlines and ongoing airport developments. The growth in passenger traffic at Cairo reflects Egypt’s broader economic resurgence, an increase in tourism, and its rising influence in the region.
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