Africa's 10 busiest airports are collectively offering 8.35 million seats in August, according to aviation data firm OAG. This figure represents a significant share of the continent's total air capacity, with Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport leading the list.
Top Airports by Seat Capacity
The ranking, based on OAG's analysis of scheduled flights, places Johannesburg OR Tambo at the top with 1.2 million seats. Cairo International Airport follows closely with 1.1 million seats, while Addis Ababa Bole International Airport secures the third position with 900,000 seats.
Other airports in the top 10 include Cape Town International (800,000 seats), Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (750,000), and Lagos Murtala Muhammed International (700,000). The list also features Casablanca Mohammed V International (650,000), Algiers Houari Boumediene (600,000), Tunis Carthage (550,000), and Accra Kotoka International (500,000).
Regional Distribution and Growth
The data reveals a strong presence of Southern and Northern African airports, with three airports from South Africa and two from North Africa making the list. East and West Africa are each represented by two airports, while Central Africa has no representation.
According to OAG, the total seat capacity across these 10 airports marks a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to the recovery of international travel and increased domestic connectivity, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria.
Implications for Travelers and Airlines
For travelers, the increased capacity means more flight options and potentially competitive fares on popular routes. Airlines are responding to the demand by adding frequencies and deploying larger aircraft on key routes, especially between Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra.
Industry analysts note that the concentration of capacity in a few hubs underscores the importance of these airports as gateways to the continent. The OAG report also highlights that while the top 10 airports account for a substantial portion of seats, secondary airports are also experiencing growth, contributing to the overall expansion of Africa's aviation market.
The data, released on August 24, 2026, provides a snapshot of the continent's aviation activity during the peak summer travel season. As the year progresses, OAG expects the trend to continue, with further growth anticipated in the fourth quarter.
