O.R. Tambo International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Africa, serving Johannesburg and the greater Gauteng Province in South Africa. Named after Oliver Reginald Tambo, the former president of the African National Congress, the airport is located in Kempton Park, approximately 24 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg city center. The airport opened in 1952 as Jan Smuts International Airport and was renamed in 2006. JNB handles over 21 million passengers annually across two terminals. Terminal A serves international flights, while Terminal B handles domestic services. The Central Terminal Building connects both terminals with retail, dining, and check-in facilities. The airport is the primary hub for South African Airways and also serves as a base for Airlink, FlySafair, and other regional carriers. The Gautrain rapid rail service connects the airport to Sandton business district in approximately 15 minutes and to Pretoria in about 40 minutes. O.R. Tambo operates two parallel runways and is the primary gateway for international air travel into southern Africa, with extensive route networks to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and destinations across the African continent. The airport also handles the majority of cargo traffic for the Gauteng economic region, South Africa's commercial heartland. Its altitude of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level affects aircraft performance, requiring longer runways and adjusted payload calculations for departing flights.

Aviation Terms

Airfield Lighting (AGL) Airport Category Airport Elevation (ELEV) Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Airport Lounge Airport Reference Point (ARP) Apron Automated Passport Control (APC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Johannesburg Airport to the city center?

The Gautrain rapid rail service runs from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Sandton in about 15 minutes and to Park Station in central Johannesburg in about 25 minutes. A single trip costs approximately ZAR 185. Metered taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt) are also available, with fares to Sandton around ZAR 350-500.

How many terminals does Johannesburg Airport have?

O.R. Tambo International Airport has two terminals: Terminal A handles domestic flights and Terminal B serves international flights. The terminals are connected by a walkway. A Central Terminal Building houses check-in counters, the Gautrain station, and commercial areas. The airport is the largest and busiest in Africa.

What is notable about O.R. Tambo International Airport?

JNB is the busiest airport on the African continent, handling over 20 million passengers annually. Named after Oliver Reginald Tambo, a prominent anti-apartheid leader and former ANC president, the airport serves as the main aviation gateway to Southern Africa. Its elevation of 1,694 meters (5,558 feet) above sea level means aircraft require longer runways for takeoff.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Johannesburg Airport?

Yes, JNB offers free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals. The service provides 30 minutes of complimentary access, which can be extended. Multiple lounges are available for purchase access, including the SLOW Lounge and Bidvest Premier Lounges, which offer unlimited Wi-Fi along with food and beverages.

Which airlines have a hub at Johannesburg Airport?

South African Airways (SAA), a Star Alliance member, uses JNB as its primary hub. FlySafair, South Africa's largest low-cost carrier, also has major operations here. Other significant carriers include British Airways/Comair (until its closure), Mango, and Ethiopian Airlines. JNB serves as a connecting point for flights throughout the African continent.