List of Airports in South Africa
As of 2024, there are 90 airports throughout the country of South Africa according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in South Africa are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in South Africa
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aggeneys Airport | AGZ | Aggeneys | Small |
| 2 | Alldays Airport | ADY | Alldays | Small |
| 3 | Bisho Airport | BIY | Bisho | Small |
| 4 | Butterworth Airport | UTE | Butterworth | Small |
| 5 | Cape Town International Airport | CPT | Cape Town | Large |
| 6 | Central Hpr Airport | HPR | Pretoria | Small |
| 7 | Cradock Airport | CDO | Cradock | Small |
| 8 | Dukuduk Airport | DUK | Dukuduk | Small |
| 9 | Durban International Airport | DUR | Durban | Medium |
| 10 | East London Airport | ELS | East London | Small |
| 11 | Ellisras Airport | ELL | Ellisras | Small |
| 12 | Empangeni Airport | EMG | Empangeni | Small |
| 13 | Ficksburg Sentra Oes Airport | FCB | Ficksburg | Small |
| 14 | George Airport | GRJ | George | Small |
| 15 | Giyani Airport | GIY | Giyani | Small |
| 16 | Grand Central Airport | GCJ | Johannesburg | Small |
| 17 | Harrismith Airport | HRS | Harrismith | Small |
| 18 | Hazyview Airport | HZV | Hazyview | Small |
| 19 | Hluhluwe Airport | HLW | Hluhluwe | Small |
| 20 | Hoedspruit Airport | HDS | Hoedspruit | Small |
| 21 | Inyati Airport | INY | Inyati | Small |
| 22 | Johannesburg International Airport | JNB | Johannesburg | Huge |
| 23 | Khoka Moya Airport | KHO | Khoka Moya | Small |
| 24 | Kimberley Airport | KIM | Kimberley | Small |
| 25 | Kleinzee Airport | KLZ | Kleinzee | Small |
| 26 | Klerksdorp Airport | KXE | Klerksdorp | Small |
| 27 | Koinghaas Airport | KIG | Koinghaas | Small |
| 28 | Komatipoort Airport | KOF | Komatipoort | Small |
| 29 | Kortdoorn Airport | ALJ | Alexander Bay | Small |
| 30 | Kruger Mpumalanga Airport | MQP | Nelspruit | Small |
| 31 | Kuruman Airport | KMH | Kuruman | Small |
| 32 | Ladysmith Airport | LAY | Ladysmith | Small |
| 33 | Langebaanweg Airport | SDB | Saldanha Bay | Small |
| 34 | Lanseria Airport | HLA | Lanseria | Small |
| 35 | Letaba Airport | LTA | Tzaneen | Small |
| 36 | Lime Acres Airport | LMR | Lime Acres | Small |
| 37 | Londolozi Airport | LDZ | Londolozi | Small |
| 38 | Louis Trichardt Airport | LCD | Louis Trichardt | Small |
| 39 | Lusikisiki Airport | LUJ | Lusikisiki | Small |
| 40 | Mala Mala Airport | AAM | Mala Mala | Small |
| 41 | Malelane Airport | LLE | Malelane | Small |
| 42 | Margate Airport | MGH | Margate | Small |
| 43 | Messina Airport | MEZ | Messina | Small |
| 44 | Mkambati Airport | MBM | Mkambati | Small |
| 45 | Mkuze Airport | MZQ | Mkuze | Small |
| 46 | Mmabatho International Airport | MBD | Mmabatho | Small |
| 47 | Mossel Bay Airport | MZY | Mossel Bay | Small |
| 48 | Motswari Airfield | MWR | Motswari | Small |
| 49 | Mzamba Airport | MZF | Mzamba (Wild Coast Sun) | Small |
| 50 | Nelspruit Airport | NLP | Nelspruit | Small |
| 51 | Newcastle Airport | NCS | Newcastle | Small |
| 52 | Ngala Airfield | NGL | Ngala | Small |
| 53 | Oudtshoorn Airport | OUH | Oudtshoorn | Small |
| 54 | Overberg (FAOB) Airport | OVG | Overberg | Small |
| 55 | Phalaborwa Airport | PHW | Phalaborwa | Small |
| 56 | Pietermaritzburg Airport | PZB | Pietermaritzburg | Small |
| 57 | Pilansberg Airport | NTY | Sun City | Small |
| 58 | Plettenberg Bay Airport | PBZ | Plettenberg Bay | Small |
| 59 | Polokwane Airport | PTG | Polokwane | Small |
| 60 | Port Alfred Airport | AFD | Port Alfred | Small |
| 61 | Port Elizabeth Airport | PLZ | Port Elizabeth | Medium |
| 62 | Port Saint Johns Airport | JOH | Port Saint Johns | Small |
| 63 | Prieska Airport | PRK | Prieska | Small |
| 64 | Queenstown Airport | UTW | Queenstown | Small |
| 65 | Randgermiston Airport | QRA | Johannesburg | Small |
| 66 | Reivilo Airport | RVO | Reivilo | Small |
| 67 | Richards Bay Airport | RCB | Richards Bay | Small |
| 68 | Robertson Airport | ROD | Robertson | Small |
| 69 | Rooikop Airport | WVB | Walvis Bay | Small |
| 70 | Sabi Sabi Airport | GSS | Sabi Sabi | Small |
| 71 | Secunda Airport | ZEC | Secunda | Small |
| 72 | Sishen Airport | SIS | Sishen | Small |
| 73 | Skukuza Airport | SZK | Skukuza | Small |
| 74 | Springbok Airport | SBU | Springbok | Small |
| 75 | Tanda Tula Airport | TDT | Tanda Tula | Small |
| 76 | Thaba Nchu Airport | TCU | Thaba Nchu | Small |
| 77 | Thohoyandou Airport | THY | Thohoyandou | Small |
| 78 | Tshipise Airport | TSD | Tshipise | Small |
| 79 | Ulundi Airport | ULD | Ulundi | Small |
| 80 | Ulusaba Airport | ULX | Ulusaba | Small |
| 81 | Umtata Airport | UTT | Umtata | Small |
| 82 | Upington Airport | UTN | Upington | Small |
| 83 | Virginia Airport | VIR | Durban | Small |
| 84 | Vredendal Airport | VRE | Vredendal | Small |
| 85 | Vryburg Airport | VRU | Vryburg | Small |
| 86 | Vryheid Airport | VYD | Vryheid | Small |
| 87 | Waterkloof (FAWK) Airport | WKF | Waterkloof | Small |
| 88 | Welkom Airport | WEL | Welkom | Small |
| 89 | Wonderboom Apt. Airport | PRY | Pretoria | Small |
| 90 | Zulu Inyala Airport | PZL | Phinda | Small |
Major Airports in South Africa
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Airport Code: JNB
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC +2)
Address: O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
Nearby Cities:
- Johannesburg – 13 miles
- Pretoria – 35 miles
- Kempton Park – 2 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- South African Airways
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Air Canada
Annual Passenger Traffic:
O.R. Tambo International Airport is South Africa’s busiest airport, handling over 21 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
O.R. Tambo International Airport, located in Kempton Park near Johannesburg, is the busiest airport in Africa by passenger numbers. The airport opened in 1952 as Jan Smuts International Airport and was later renamed in 2006 in honor of Oliver Tambo, a prominent South African anti-apartheid leader and former president of the African National Congress (ANC).
The airport serves as the primary international gateway to South Africa, and it is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It is well-positioned for global connections, particularly with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The airport underwent significant expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s, modernizing its terminals and adding capacity to meet growing demand. It plays a central role in the South African economy, facilitating tourism, trade, and business.
O.R. Tambo International is also a hub for South African Airways, which uses it as the central point for connecting flights across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Facilities and Infrastructure
O.R. Tambo has two main runways:
- Runway 03L/21R: 4,420 meters (14,502 feet)
- Runway 03R/21L: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
Both runways are capable of handling large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. The airport is equipped with multiple terminals, including a dedicated international terminal and domestic terminals, providing a variety of amenities such as duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and transport options. It has a modern air traffic control system and offers extensive ground transportation facilities, including taxis, buses, and car rentals.
2. Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Airport Code: CPT
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC +2)
Address: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa
Nearby Cities:
- Cape Town – 10 miles
- Bellville – 8 miles
- Somerset West – 25 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Cape Town International Airport serves around 10 million passengers annually, making it the second busiest in South Africa.
Airport Location and History
Cape Town International Airport, situated in the city of Cape Town, is a major hub for both international and domestic flights. The airport’s history dates back to the 1950s when it was initially used as a military base before being converted into a civilian airport. In the 1990s, the airport was significantly upgraded to accommodate growing international traffic, with a focus on improving terminal facilities and operational efficiency.
Cape Town International has become one of Africa’s leading airports, noted for its modern facilities and passenger services. It is a key entry point for international travelers visiting South Africa, particularly tourists traveling to the Cape Winelands and other popular regions. The airport has received numerous awards for its excellence in service and infrastructure.
The airport serves as a hub for domestic flights and is an important connection point for flights to regional destinations across Africa.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Cape Town International Airport has two runways:
- Runway 01/19: 3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
- Runway 16/34: 3,400 meters (11,155 feet)
Both runways can accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. The airport features a large terminal with international and domestic sections, offering a variety of amenities such as luxury lounges, restaurants, shopping, and transportation services. The airport’s design emphasizes efficiency and passenger convenience, making it a gateway to the Western Cape and South Africa’s most famous landmarks.
3. King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Airport Code: DUR
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC +2)
Address: King Shaka International Airport, La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nearby Cities:
- Durban – 23 miles
- Umhlanga – 12 miles
- Ballito – 10 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- British Airways
- Emirates
- FlySafair
- Mango Airlines
- Qatar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
King Shaka International Airport serves approximately 5 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
King Shaka International Airport, located in La Mercy near Durban, opened in 2010, replacing the old Durban International Airport. The airport was built to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the KwaZulu-Natal region and to serve as a regional gateway to southern Africa. Named after the Zulu king Shaka, who played a central role in the region’s history, the airport is a modern, world-class facility.
The airport’s opening marked a significant milestone for Durban’s tourism and business sectors, offering improved services and modern infrastructure. It has become a key hub for domestic and international flights, particularly those serving routes between South Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa.
Facilities and Infrastructure
King Shaka International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 06/24: 3,700 meters (12,139 feet)
The runway is suitable for handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. The airport’s terminal offers a range of services, including duty-free shopping, lounges, restaurants, and transport links such as taxis, buses, and car hire. King Shaka is well-equipped to manage both passenger and cargo flights, providing a significant economic boost to the region.
4. Lanseria International Airport (HLA)
Airport Code: HLA
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC +2)
Address: Lanseria International Airport, Lanseria, Gauteng, South Africa
Nearby Cities:
- Johannesburg – 25 miles
- Pretoria – 30 miles
- Midrand – 18 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- FlySafair
- Mango Airlines
- CemAir
- Airlink
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Lanseria International handles around 2 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Lanseria International Airport is located to the north of Johannesburg and serves as a secondary hub for domestic and regional flights. It was originally a private airfield, opening in the 1970s, and later became a public international airport. Lanseria is known for offering a less crowded and more relaxed alternative to the busier O.R. Tambo International Airport, making it popular with both business and leisure travelers.
The airport’s location is ideal for travelers heading to northern Gauteng or the surrounding provinces. It also serves as a base for smaller regional airlines and general aviation. Lanseria’s smaller size and limited international traffic make it a more convenient choice for some travelers looking for a quicker and more efficient airport experience.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Lanseria International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 01/19: 2,300 meters (7,546 feet)
The runway can accommodate medium-sized aircraft, including narrow-body jets but is not capable of handling large wide-body aircraft. The terminal at Lanseria is smaller than those at larger international airports but offers essential amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and duty-free shops. The airport is well-connected by ground transportation, including taxis, buses, and rental car services.
5. George Airport (GRJ)
Airport Code: GRJ
Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC +2)
Address: George Airport, George, Western Cape, South Africa
Nearby Cities:
- George – 6 miles
- Knysna – 28 miles
- Mossel Bay – 22 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Mango Airlines
- FlySafair
- Airlink
Annual Passenger Traffic:
George Airport handles approximately 1.3 million passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
George Airport is located in the Garden Route region of South Africa, and it serves the coastal towns of George, Knysna, and Mossel Bay. The airport opened in 1977 and has been crucial for providing access to this popular tourist region, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. It has grown significantly over the years, with a major expansion completed in the early 2000s to meet growing demand.
George Airport is primarily a domestic airport, handling flights between major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. It is a vital link for both tourism and business in the Western Cape region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
George Airport has one runway:
- Runway 13/31: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet)
The runway is suitable for narrow-body aircraft but is not designed to handle wide-body planes. The terminal offers basic amenities, such as check-in counters, a café, and small shops. Despite being a smaller airport, George remains an important gateway for tourists visiting the Garden Route region.
