STAFF REPORTER

OR Tambo International Airport has been ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the Middle East and Africa, handling over 12 million scheduled seats this year and demonstrating significant growth and operational excellence. Picture: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg

IT’S official and Joburgers have probably known this for a while. Data released by OAG’s Global Airline Schedules, which highlights the World’s Busiest Airports for 2024, showed that OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) has been ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the Middle East and Africa. The facility handled more than 12 million scheduled seats this year.

ORTIA continues to serve as a vital hub for air travel, trade, and connectivity within the region. As reported by The South African, OR Tambo was ranked the seventh busiest airport in the Middle East and Africa.

As South Africa’s primary international gateway, ORTIA has demonstrated significant growth and operational excellence, handling:

• More than 17.8 million passengers in the fiscal year April–March 2024

• More than 204 000 aircraft movements during the same period

These figures underscore ORTIA's capacity to manage high passenger volumes and substantial air traffic movements, reinforcing its status as the busiest airport in Africa.

The airport offers connections to numerous destinations worldwide, facilitating seamless travel for passengers and supporting economic growth through enhanced connectivity.

ACSA said it remains committed to providing world-class infrastructure and operational excellence to support the continued growth and success of ORTIA.

Here’s a look at the top 10 busiest airports for the region of Middle East and Africa (domestic and international)

Dubai International – 60 236 220 seats

Doha (QA) – 32 455 882 seats

Jeddah – 29 715 122 seats

Riyadh King Khalid Intl – 23 298 983 seats

Cairo International – 18 712 227 seats

Zayed International – 17 125 037 seats

OR Tambo International – 12 272 780 seats

Addis Ababa – 12 099 516 seats

Kuwait – 10 931 111 seats

Sharjah – 9 128 412 seats