Handling about 28 million passengers annually, Africa’s largest and busiest airport plays a crucial role in the continent’s air travel network. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, OR Tambo International Airport accounts for 50% of all air passengers in the country, making it a vital hub for both domestic and international flights. Not only is OR Tambo the biggest and busiest airport in Africa, but it also ranks among a very exclusive group of airports worldwide.
With two main terminals and four levels, passengers have access to a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, fast food outlets, and coffee shops. According to its official website, it is one of only four airports globally that offer scheduled non-stop flights to all six inhabited continents, the others being Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai.
The airport features two runways that are longer than most due to its elevation of 5,577 feet above sea level.
This high altitude means the air is thinner, reducing air friction, which affects aircraft during landing and takeoff.
To compensate, the runways have been extended to provide ample length for safe deceleration and lift, making them some of the longest runways worldwide.
The airport opened back in 1952 under the name of Jan Smuts International Airport, replacing the older Palmietfontein Airport, which had been serving Europe since 1945.
In 2006, it was renamed to honour Oliver Reginald Tambo, a revered anti-apartheid leader and former president of the African National Congress (ANC).
Located in the province of Gauteng, the airport is strategically positioned and is well connected to Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the broader national road network.
It is also connected to the Gautrain rapid rail system, which links the airport to Sandton and is being extended to include central Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Despite its status as the busiest airport in Africa and a world-class travel hub, OR Tambo International Airport was not immune to disruption this week.
Yesterday, on Friday, August 1, the airport experienced a temporary failure in its air traffic control system, which led to over 240 reported flight delays and six cancellations.
Airlines affected included Emirates, Lufthansa, Delta, Cathay Pacific, and Air Zimbabwe. The issue was resolved later in the afternoon, with operations reportedly resuming by 5pm.