Air travel across Africa has rebounded strongly following the pandemic years, with passenger traffic rising alongside tourism recovery and expanding airline networks. Data from the Airports Council International and airport authorities show that a handful of major hubs dominate the continent’s aviation landscape.
These airports function not only as national gateways but also as critical transit points linking Africa with Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
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1. Cairo International Airport — Egypt
Passengers (2025): 30.9 million
Cairo International Airport remains Africa’s busiest airport by a considerable margin. Serving the Egyptian capital, the airport connects travellers to major destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Traffic growth has been fuelled by Egypt’s recovering tourism sector and the country’s position as a regional transport hub. The airport operates three terminals and continues to expand its infrastructure to accommodate rising demand.
2. OR Tambo International Airport — South Africa
OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest aviation hub in southern Africa and the primary international gateway into South Africa.
Located in Johannesburg, it serves as a key connection point for flights across the continent and beyond. The airport handles large volumes of both passenger and cargo traffic, supporting South Africa’s tourism industry as well as regional trade routes.
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3. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport — Ethiopia
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has grown rapidly as Ethiopia strengthens its position in global aviation.
The airport serves as the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, widely regarded as Africa’s most expansive airline network. Its strategic location near the geographic centre of the continent makes Addis Ababa an important transit point for passengers travelling between Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
4. Hurghada International Airport — Egypt
Passengers (2025): 12.35 million
Hurghada International Airport has emerged as one of the fastest-growing airports in Africa, driven primarily by international tourism to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts.
The airport handles a high volume of charter and seasonal flights, particularly from Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom. Passenger traffic increased by more than 28 percent between 2024 and 2025, reflecting the continued popularity of Egypt’s coastal tourism industry.
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5. Mohammed V International Airport — Morocco
Passengers (2025): 11.46 million
Located in Casablanca, Mohammed V International Airport is Morocco’s main aviation gateway and one of North Africa’s busiest transport hubs.
The airport connects West Africa with Europe and North America while also serving as a key base for Royal Air Maroc. Passenger traffic has continued to grow steadily, increasing by nearly 10 percent year-on-year as Morocco expands tourism and aviation connectivity.
