Hey there! Let’s talk about South Africa, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Picture golden savannahs and stunning deserts – that’s what draws people from all over the world to this amazing country. And guess what? South African airports are doing a fantastic job handling all these excited travelers. In the last ten years, air travel has really taken off in South Africa, and the major airports are keeping up like champs!
If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, it’s super helpful to know about the international airports there. It’ll make booking your flights a breeze. There are quite a few awesome international and national airports in South Africa, each with its own cool history and great services. Let’s dive into seven of the most popular airports that are working hard to make your trip amazing!
1. Oliver Tambo International Airport
At the top of our list is Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. It’s not just the biggest airport in South Africa, but the busiest in all of Africa! Here’s a fun fact: it used to be called Jan Smuts International Airport, named after a former Prime Minister. It’s only about 4 miles from the city, so you’ll be exploring in no time!
2. Cape Town International Airport
Next up is Cape Town International Airport, just a quick 20-minute drive from Cape Town’s bustling center. This place is hopping, with about 9 million passengers passing through every year! It’s been around since 1954 and offers flights not just within South Africa, but also to places in Asia and Europe. How cool is that?
3. King Shaka International Airport
If you’re heading to Durban, you’ll probably fly into King Shaka International Airport. It’s about 20 miles north of the city and has grown super fast in the last few years. Can you believe it only started operations in 2010? Now it handles about 5 million passengers a year!
4. Port Elizabeth International Airport
Here’s a fun one – they call this the “Ten Minute Airport” because it’s so close to the city center (only about 3 miles away)! It’s been around since 1929, but the main buildings you see today were built in the 1950s. It’s a busy little airport, handling about 2 million passengers each year.
5. Lanseria International Airport
This airport near Johannesburg has a cool story – it was started by two pilots and is privately owned. Here’s a bit of trivia: Nelson Mandela flew through this airport when he was released from jail. They’re planning to make it even bigger and better in the future!
6. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Last but not least, we have the gateway to the famous Kruger National Park! This airport opened in 2002 and is helping boost tourism in the area. It’s got a cool African-themed design and is planning to grow even more in the future.
7. Kimberley Airport
If you’re exploring the Northern Cape region, you might fly into Kimberley Airport. It’s mainly for flights within South Africa, perfect for business travelers or tourists checking out the nearby attractions. It’s about 6 miles from the city center and handles over 170,000 passengers every year.
Now, let’s dive into some interesting facts about airports in South Africa. Did you know that there are over 90 airports in the country? That’s right! And out of these, 23 handle both domestic and international flights. The Airports Company of South Africa owns most of the largest airports in the country.
If you’re wondering about the main airport in South Africa, look no further than O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. It’s not only the largest but also the busiest, serving over 21 million passengers every year. Speaking of Johannesburg, it’s the city with the most airports in South Africa. Besides O.R. Tambo, you’ll find Grand Central Airport and Lanseria International Airport there too.
For those of you traveling from India, here’s a heads up: there aren’t any direct flights between South Africa and India at the moment. South African Airways used to offer direct flights, but now they fly to India via Abu Dhabi. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of options to get you there!
South Africa has several great airlines that connect to countries like England and the USA. Some of the top airlines include South African Express, South African Airways (SAA), and Comair. And if you’re concerned about accommodation, don’t be! There are plenty of places to stay near the airports, making your travel plans even more convenient.
One last thing – if you’re craving Indian food during your flight, you might want to pack some snacks. Most airlines operating from South Africa don’t typically offer Indian meals onboard.
So there you have it – a guide to South Africa’s best airports and some handy info to help you plan your trip! Whether you’re flying domestic or international, these airports have got you covered. Happy travels!
