El Aeropuerto Internacional O. R. Tambo es el aeropuerto más transitado de África y el principal centro de aviación de Sudáfrica. Situado en Kempton Park, Gauteng, a unos 23 kilómetros al noreste del centro de Johannesburgo, el aeropuerto se inauguró en 1952 y fue rebautizado en 2006 en honor a Oliver Reginald Tambo, líder de la lucha antiapartheid. JNB gestiona más de 21 millones de pasajeros al año desde una terminal con áreas nacionales e internacionales. El aeropuerto es el centro de conexiones de South African Airways y Airlink, y da servicio a numerosas aerolíneas africanas e internacionales que conectan Sudáfrica con Europa, Oriente Medio, Asia y las Américas. El Gautrain, un sistema ferroviario rápido, conecta el aeropuerto con Sandton, el distrito financiero de Johannesburgo, y con Pretoria. JNB opera dos pistas de aterrizaje. La altitud del aeropuerto, de 1.694 metros sobre el nivel del mar, es una característica operativa significativa que afecta al rendimiento de las aeronaves, especialmente durante los cálidos días de verano. Johannesburgo es el centro económico de Sudáfrica y del África subsahariana, y el aeropuerto constituye la puerta de entrada al continente para muchos viajeros internacionales, con conexiones a las principales ciudades africanas.

Aviation Terms

Iluminación de aeródromo (AGL: Airfield Lighting) Categoría de aeropuerto (Airport Category) Elevación del aeropuerto (ELEV: Airport Elevation) Estación de bomberos aeroportuaria (ARFF: Airport Fire Station) Sala VIP de aeropuerto (Airport Lounge) Punto de referencia del aeropuerto (ARP: Airport Reference Point) Plataforma (Apron) Control automatizado de pasaportes (APC: Automated Passport Control)

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.