The aviation industry is one of the most exciting and fast-paced in the world, connecting people, businesses, and cultures across continents.
Every year, millions of travellers hop on planes for work, or vacations, while countless tons of cargo make their way through the skies.
Globally, 2024 was a pivotal year for the aviation industry. Despite challenges like crashes, regulatory issues, and fluctuating market dynamics, the sector proved resilient, delivering strong operational performance across various regions.
Insights from OAG’s Global Airline Schedules Data for 2024 revealed that the world’s busiest airports collectively handled over 411 million passengers, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) retaining its crown as the world’s busiest international airport, handling 60.2 million seats.
Meanwhile, London Heathrow (LHR) followed closely with 48.4 million seats, reflecting a 4% growth from the previous year.
In Africa, airports are rapidly gaining prominence, reflecting the growing demand for air travel driven by urbanization, tourism, and expanding trade networks.
Below are the Busiest airports in Africa in 2024:
1) Cairo International Airport
In Africa, Cairo International Airport handled 18,712,227 passengers in 2024—a significant 46% increase from its 2019 figures and an 11% rise compared to 2023. The airport boasts connections to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, with the Middle East serving as its most connected region.
2) Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, another key player in African aviation, managed 12,272,780 passengers in 2024. While this marked an 18% decline compared to its 2019 figures, the airport showed resilience with a 4% growth from 2023.
3) Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is another key player, with 12,099,516 passengers in 2024, marking a 32% rise from 2019 and an 11% increase compared to 2023. Bole’s position as a major transit hub for Ethiopian Airlines has cemented its role as a key gateway for passengers travelling within Africa and beyond.
