Africa’s aviation industry continues to soar, reflecting strong recovery and renewed travel demand across the continent. According to data from OAG, the top 10 busiest airports in Africa for October 2025 demonstrate the growing strength of both regional and international connectivity.
From Cairo to Lagos, these airports are driving passenger movement, trade, and tourism underscoring Africa’s increasing role in global aviation.
1. Cairo International Airport (Egypt)
Cairo retains its position as Africa’s busiest airport, connecting the continent with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport’s strategic location and EgyptAir’s extensive network make it a dominant gateway for African and international travelers.
2. O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Johannesburg remains Southern Africa’s leading aviation hub, offering extensive intercontinental routes and serving as a key point for regional connectivity across Africa.
3. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Ethiopia)
Home to Ethiopian Airlines, Addis Ababa Bole continues to expand rapidly, reinforcing its role as East Africa’s primary hub and a major global transit point for African passengers.
4. Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca, Morocco)
Casablanca is North Africa’s key aviation gateway, linking Africa with Europe and the Americas. The airport’s growth reflects Morocco’s rising influence in continental air transport.
5. Cape Town International Airport (South Africa)
Cape Town remains a major tourist destination, with consistent outbound travel driven by leisure, trade, and seasonal routes connecting to global destinations.
6. Marrakech Menara Airport (Morocco)
A hub for international tourism, Marrakech continues to attract high passenger volumes from Europe and the Middle East, ranking among Africa’s busiest leisure airports.
7. Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers, Algeria)
Algiers Airport serves as a vital connector between North Africa, Europe, and West Africa, benefiting from Algeria’s growing regional air links and trade movement.
8. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya)
Nairobi remains East Africa’s business and logistics hub, with rising passenger traffic from regional and international routes supporting economic growth.
9. Hurghada International Airport (Egypt)
Hurghada’s booming tourism industry keeps it among Africa’s busiest, driven by European charter flights and year-round vacation traffic.
10. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos, Nigeria)
Lagos recorded 409,005 outbound seats in October 2025 – a 10.8% increase from October 2024. The surge highlights Nigeria’s aviation recovery and Lagos’s growing role as West Africa’s major air transport hub.
