+27838565499O. R. Tambo International Airport: Africa’s Premier Travel Gateway
Overview of O. R. Tambo International Airport
Located in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, O. R. Tambo International Airport is not only South Africa’s busiest and largest airport but also one of the largest and most efficient airports on the African continent. It is the cornerstone of South Africa’s aviation industry, providing seamless connectivity for millions of travelers each year. O. R. Tambo serves as a key hub for both international and domestic flights, handling an average of 21 million passengers annually. The airport is strategically located about 20 kilometers from Johannesburg’s city center and approximately 50 kilometers from Pretoria, making it an essential gateway for global travel to and from southern Africa.
Named in honor of the late Oliver Reginald Tambo, an iconic figure in South Africa’s liberation movement, O. R. Tambo International Airport is not just a transportation hub; it is also a symbol of South Africa’s global stature. The airport is known for its world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and exceptional passenger services, making it a convenient and efficient travel hub.
Is O. R. Tambo the Largest Airport in Africa?
Yes, O. R. Tambo International Airport is Africa’s largest and busiest airport by passenger volume. It spans an impressive 1,890 hectares and serves as a primary international gateway to southern Africa. It boasts four terminals—A, B, C, and D—each designed to efficiently handle the high volume of passengers and offer easy connectivity between domestic and international flights. The airport processes more than 200 daily flights and serves destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, making it a key international air transport hub.
Key Features of O. R. Tambo International Airport
As a leading international airport, O. R. Tambo is equipped with a wide range of features and amenities that cater to the needs of both leisure and business travelers. Some of the key facilities at O. R. Tambo include:
Duty-Free Shopping: The airport offers a vast selection of duty-free stores where passengers can purchase luxury goods, cosmetics, electronics, and South African-made products at competitive prices.
Restaurants and Cafes: Travelers can choose from a diverse range of dining options, including fast food outlets, cafes, and sit-down restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Business and VIP Lounges: O. R. Tambo has various lounges providing comfort and relaxation for business travelers, frequent flyers, and first-class passengers. These lounges offer amenities such as high-speed internet, food and drink, and private spaces for work.
State-of-the-Art Security and Passenger Services: Security at O. R. Tambo is top-notch, with modern screening procedures in place to ensure passenger safety while minimizing waiting times. The airport also features free Wi-Fi, charging stations, luggage handling, and a range of other passenger services for a smooth travel experience.
Currency Exchange: O. R. Tambo has several forex bureaus and currency exchange counters where travelers can convert their foreign currency to South African Rand (ZAR). Travelex, Western Union, and Forex Bureau are some of the currency exchange services available.
Ownership of O. R. Tambo International Airport
O. R. Tambo International is owned and managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), a state-owned entity. ACSA is responsible for operating key airports in South Africa, including Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban. Under ACSA’s stewardship, O. R. Tambo has undergone continuous improvements to meet the growing demand for air travel and maintain high service standards. The entity focuses on expanding capacity, enhancing customer services, and upgrading infrastructure, which ensures that O. R. Tambo remains at the forefront of global aviation.
How Many Flights Operate at O. R. Tambo International Airport Each Day?
O. R. Tambo International Airport handles more than 200 flights daily, including both domestic and international services. The airport connects passengers to major cities in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with airlines offering a wide range of flight options to accommodate both short and long-haul travelers. Whether for business, tourism, or connecting to other destinations, O. R. Tambo ensures a wide variety of options, catering to a diverse range of needs.
Airlines Operating at O. R. Tambo International Airport
O. R. Tambo is a bustling hub for airlines from across the globe. Some of the notable airlines operating at O. R. Tambo include:
South African Airlines (SAA)
Contact Number: +27 11 978 1111 South African Airways (SAA) is the national carrier and a key player in connecting South Africa to the world. With a wide network covering Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, SAA is a crucial airline at O. R. Tambo. Travelers can book flights, manage reservations, and access SAA’s extensive services at the airport.
Emirates
Contact Number: +27 11 978 2000 Emirates offers direct flights from Johannesburg to Dubai and other major destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is known for its luxurious amenities and top-notch service, providing travelers with a world-class flying experience.
Qatar Airways
Contact Number: +27 11 978 2441 Qatar Airways provides direct flights from O. R. Tambo to Doha and onward connections to various cities across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. As a five-star airline, Qatar Airways ensures exceptional service throughout the journey.
British Airways
Contact Number: +27 11 978 3500 British Airways operates several flights per week from Johannesburg to London and other key European cities. With a rich history of excellence, British Airways offers both economy and premium services to travelers flying from O. R. Tambo.
Lufthansa
Contact Number: +27 11 978 1074 Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship airline, connects Johannesburg to key European cities, including Frankfurt and Munich. Lufthansa is known for its reliable service, extensive network, and strong presence in the global aviation market.
Air France
Contact Number: +27 11 978 4150 Air France operates flights from Johannesburg to Paris and other European destinations. Travelers can enjoy premium services, gourmet meals, and entertainment during their journey.
Emirates SkyCargo
Contact Number: +27 11 978 2000 Emirates SkyCargo handles the freight and logistics side of Emirates’ operations, providing global shipping services through O. R. Tambo.
Turkish Airlines
Contact Number: +27 11 978 3003 Offering flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is a growing carrier with a wide global network, especially connecting travelers to destinations in Europe and Asia.
Airlink
Contact Number: +27 11 451 7300 Airlink is a regional carrier offering flights to several African countries and domestic destinations within South Africa. Known for its punctuality and affordable prices, Airlink serves as an important regional airline at O. R. Tambo.
FlySafair
Contact Number: +27 21 936 0620 FlySafair is a low-cost carrier offering domestic flights within South Africa. The airline operates numerous routes to cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, providing an affordable and efficient travel option for domestic passengers.
Other Airlines at O. R. Tambo
Other airlines operating at O. R. Tambo include KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and many regional African carriers such as Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
Transportation Options from O. R. Tambo International Airport
O. R. Tambo International Airport provides a wide range of transportation options to make it easy for travelers to get to and from the airport:
Taxis: Taxis are available from the official taxi ranks at the airport. These taxis provide safe and reliable services to various destinations in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding areas.
Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Bolt operate at O. R. Tambo, offering door-to-door rides with the convenience of a smartphone app. Both options provide reliable and comfortable rides, especially for those traveling with luggage.
Gautrain: The Gautrain high-speed train service connects O. R. Tambo with key areas in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The train is a convenient and efficient way to travel to major locations such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria.
Shuttle Services: Many hotels in the area offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, providing travelers with a hassle-free transport option.
Car Rentals: Major car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget have counters at O. R. Tambo, offering a range of vehicles for self-drive or chauffeur-driven services.
Accommodation Near O. R. Tambo International Airport
For travelers requiring accommodation close to the airport, there is a variety of hotels to choose from:
Luxury: InterContinental Johannesburg O. R. Tambo Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel, and Southern Sun O. R. Tambo International offer upscale rooms and services, located just minutes from the terminal.
Mid-Range: Protea Hotel by Marriott, Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport, and Premier Hotel OR Tambo offer comfortable rooms with easy access to the airport.
Budget: Road Lodge Isando and the Airport Inn provide affordable and no-frills accommodation for budget-conscious travelers.
Conclusion
O. R. Tambo International Airport stands as Africa’s busiest and most advanced aviation hub. It provides seamless connectivity, world-class services, and a wide range of airlines to suit every travel need. With state-of-the-art amenities, an ever-expanding list of destinations, and a commitment to excellence, O. R. Tambo International Airport is a gateway to the world—serving as a symbol of South Africa’s global presence and a crucial hub for air travel in Africa
