Whether you're boarding a jumbo carrier at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International or landing on a scenic airstrip deep in the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s airports are as varied as the landscapes they connect.
South Africa is home to over 400 airports and airstrips catering to a diverse range of aviation needs.
From bustling international hubs to small regional airstrips catering to local communities, private businesspeople and aviation enthusiasts.
Business professionals, government officials, and frequent travellers make up a significant portion of passengers on commercial flights, particularly between South Africa's Golden Triangle cities, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
The country’s private aviation sector caters to high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and VIPs seeking exclusivity, speed, and personalised service, with companies like ExecuJet and Lanseria-based operators providing tailored charter services.
The primary focus of large airports is commercial aviation, while regional airports support tourism and boost local communities.
Earlier this week, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, revealed plans for a new R200 billion airport in the Sedibeng district in partnership with the private sector.
According to Maile, international private bank, Citibank, is the leading partner of this project and government will only make a minimum contribution towards the bulk infrastructure to make the project a success.
The project aims to stimulate the area’s local economy through job creation and tourism.
Youth unemployment remains a critical issue in the country and as of 2022, the stats were sitting at a staggering 60.8% for the youth of Sedibeng.
Accounting for approximately 33% of the national DGP, the Sedibeng District Municipality is an integral part of the Gauteng province.
IOL has done a deep dive into the country’s airports, big, small and regional.
1. OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
OR Tambo (ORTIA), previously known as Johannesburg International Airport, is the biggest airport in South Africa and a gateway to over 80 destinations in 37 countries. It handles over 21 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in Africa.
Aircraft that land and leave from ORTIA include some of the world’s biggest aircraft, including the likes of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, alongside smaller domestic aircraft.
The airport was originally known as Jan Smuts International Airport, after the former South African Prime Minister. It was renamed Johannesburg International Airport in 1994 when the newly elected African National Congress government implemented a policy of not naming airports after politicians.
This policy was later reversed, and on October 27, 2006 the airport was renamed after anti-apartheid politician Oliver Tambo.
Ownership: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
Established: 1952.
2. Cape Town International Airport
Ranked among the best airports globally, for its remarkable work culture and passenger experience, Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is also owned by ACSA.
CTIA’s name change to Krotoa Airport or Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Airport was once publicly proposed. However, after the Department of Transport and Airports Company SA held a public consultation meeting at the Cape Town International Airport in 2018 and no concensus was reached, the renaming process was abandoned without a recommendation.
Aircraft: Wide-body carriers for international routes and smaller planes for domestic and regional flights.
Established: 1954.
3. King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) was established in 2010, replacing the old Durban International Airport.
Aircraft: Supports both international and regional aircraft, including private charters.
Dubai, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Eswatini and Botswana are all countries that have direct flights to Durban.
A new King Shaka statue erected at the airport was unveiled earlier this month, in an act to empower local communities and attract visitors to experience the depth of South Africa’s traditions, values, and stories.
“The statue of King Shaka stands as a testament to our shared commitment to cultural heritage tourism, which aligns with the government’s grand vision for preserving and celebrating our shared history," said KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, at the unveiling ceremony.
Ownership: ACSA.
South Africa’s regional airports keep the country connected, whether for business, tourism or everyday travel.
4. Lanseria International Airport (Johannesburg)
This is a quieter alternative for travellers avoiding OR Tambo and mainly for people who live in the northern and western parts of Joburg and Gauteng.
Lanseria is a home to various charter private companies that offer luxurious jets for all forms of travel. FlySafair is the only commercial operator to only two destinations currently, Cape Town and Durban.
Ownership: Privately owned, by Lanseria Airport Company.
Aircraft: Smaller commercial jets and private charters.
5. Chief Darwin Stuurman International Airport (Eastern Cape)
Previously known as the Port Elizabeth International Airport, this airport is also owned by ACSA and is situated within a five minutes drive from the central business district of Gqeberha.
The call for Chief Darwin Stuurman’s name to be used came from the Khoisan community of Nelson Mandela Bay in 2018, and was officially approved and gazetted in 2021.
Established: 1929.
6. King Phalo Airport (Eastern Cape)
Formerly known as the East London Airport, King Phalo Airport was renamed along with the Chief Darwin Stuurman International Airport, as part of the government’s Transformation of Heritage Landscape programme in 2021.
Between 20 and 30 flights land at King Phalo Airport each day, with 620,000 people welcomed each year. The airport is also a crucial link in the cargo chain, playing an important role in the growing economy of the Eastern Cape.
Ownership: ACSA.
Established: 1927.
Aircraft: smaller domestic and regional planes.
7. George Airport (Western Cape)
The George Airport lies halfway between Cape Town and Gqeberha and is the gateway to South Africa’s ever-popular Garden Route.
The airport is small, but welcomes over 800,000 passengers each year. Businesses in George and the Greater Knysna region are heavily dependent on business travellers that travel via George Airport.
Ownership: ACSA.
Established: 1977.
Aircraft: Regional planes and small jets.
8. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
This airport replaced the old municipality owned Nelspruit Airport. It serves as an access point for Kruger National Park visitors.
As of November 2022, German low-cost carrier Eurowings Discover commenced operations between its Frankfurt-hub and Kruger-Mpumalanga via Windhoek, Namibia.
However, this route was terminated due to low demand by March 2023, according to German media outlet, Aviation Direct.
The airport terminal is roofed almost entirely by thatch, making it the largest thatched structure in Africa.
Ownership: Privately owned, operated by Primkop Airport Management (Pty) Ltd.
Established: 2002.
Aircraft: Regional commercial aircraft catering to safari tourists.
9. Upington International Airport
Upington Airport is known for its long runway. Measuring 4,900 metres, it is the longest civilian runway in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the few able to land a space shuttle, according to ACSA.
Ownership: ACSA.
Established: 1968.
Aircraft: Accommodates large cargo planes and smaller commercial carriers.
The following is a list of some of the more unpopular airports in SA, probably because you’d have to charter a flight to use them.
These airports, while varying in size and capabilities, collectively contribute to South Africa's regional air connectivity and support tourism, agriculture, mining and other local economic activities.
Most of them cater primarily to general aviation and light aircraft, reflecting their rural or small town locations.
Smaller Eastern Cape Airports
Aliwal North Airport, Bhisho Airport, Cradock Airport, Butterworth Airport, Graaff Reinet Airport, Grahamstown Airport, Lusikisiki Airport, Mzamba Airport, Port Alfred Airport, Port St Johns Airport, Queenstown Airport.
Bhisho Airport, also known as Bulembu Airport, is located near Bhisho and King William’s Town. It is owned by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport and has a runway that accommodates larger aircraft.
Recently, it gained attention for hosting UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his family, after a R20 million upgrade funded by the UAE.
In Free State
Bethlehem Airport, Bothaville Airport, Ficksburg Airport, Gariep Dam Airport, Harrismith Airport, New Tempe Airport, Parys Airport, Thaba Nchu Airport, Welkom Airport.
Situated in Bothaville, a town known as South Africa’s maize capital, Bothaville Airport mainly caters to small private and agricultural aircraft.
It plays a significant role in supporting the region's farming sector, which is highly dependent on aerial services.
In Gauteng
Brakpan Airport, Grand Central Airport, Rand Airport, Krugersdorp Airport, Wonderboom Airport.
The five airports primarily serve general aviation, including flight schools, recreational flying, and business aviation services.
Notable highlights include Rand Airport's South African Airways Museum which showcases vintage aircraft like Boeing 747s and DC-3s, and Wonderboom Airport's role in accommodating limited commercial flights and cargo.
IOL Travel