Skytrax, the global airline and airport rating firm, has unveiled its latest ranking of Africa’s best airports, highlighting how the continent is blending local identity with modern efficiency. While Cape Town International Airport takes the lead, hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Marrakech are reshaping the traveller experience through improved connectivity, design, and service.
The award winners in this area were chosen based on the entire experience at each airport, passenger accessibility, amenities offered to travellers, and overall city connectedness.
Cape Town International Airport
The top airport in Africa for 2025 is Cape Town International Airport. With its obvious signage and low walking distances between check-in, security, and gates, as well as transit zones, the terminal’s layout facilitates smooth travel. Modern lounges, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a good selection of stores offering anything from high-end labels to regional handicrafts are just a few of the exceptional amenities. There are international snacks from well-known brands as well as South African cuisine available for dining. Premium passengers get easy access to passport control, and baggage processing is very efficiently managed. Rest facilities and kid-friendly play areas in lounges are beneficial to families.
The airport also provides a breathtaking perspective of Table Mountain, combining the opportunity to see a variety of airlines on the tarmac with Cape Town’s main attraction.
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg — JNB/FAOR
Johannesburg is the busiest airport in South Africa and a significant hub for the continent. Terminals are tidied up, and passenger flow has been enhanced with new lighting and signs to help lower stress levels. Authentic local crafts are combined with international brands in an enhanced retail offering. Business travellers can choose from a variety of airline lounges and private, paid options that offer hot buffets, private work cubicles, and showers. Many of the lounges also have meeting rooms and quiet areas.
Additionally, there are plenty of taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services, as well as the Gautrain, which runs directly from the airport to central Johannesburg for quick transfers. While standard services like free Wi-Fi and plenty of charging stations are also present, the airport’s general operational efficiency makes it a comfortable place to enter and exit.
King Shaka International Airport, Durban – DUR/FALE
Reflecting the seaside atmosphere of Durban, Durban Airport feels spacious and coastal. Notwithstanding the airport’s small size, its terminals’ open layouts and natural light make it feel spacious to move between check-in, security, and gates. Both business and leisure travellers can benefit from the lounges’ cosy couches, workstations, and showers. However, the dining alternatives cater to local tastes, with grab-and-go delis and domestic franchises coexisting with cafés providing Durban’s specialities.
Duty-free shopping and locally produced artefacts may be found in the retail area, and there are designated parking and pickup locations for taxis, shuttle buses, and car rental desks. In keeping with the laid-back vibe of the city, the airport is convenient for passengers who are less mobile thanks to family amenities, accessible restrooms, and friendly information desks.
Marrakech Menara Airport – RAK/GMMX
Marrakech Menara Airport blends functional airport design with Moroccan architectural flair. While maintaining simple signage and minimal walking distances, the main concourse features warm finishes and ornamental tilework. Clean restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a duty-free store offering Moroccan leather goods, perfumes, and other items are among the amenities. For individuals who prefer privacy before boarding their flights, the lounges offer comfortable sitting, hot beverages, and light meals. In addition to international selections, the cafés and dining counters serve quick Moroccan eats.
It is a straightforward hub for one of Africa’s largest tourist cities, with ground transport options ranging from government taxis to private transfers and rental automobiles, and counters are easily accessible.
Mohamed V International Airport, Casablanca – CMN/GMMN
Despite handling a lot of foreign traffic, Casablanca offers travellers a well-organised port. The terminals are spacious, offering a wide range of duty-free shopping alternatives along with retail spaces that blend Moroccan crafts and international designer labels. Prayer rooms, family areas, and many lounges where first-class travellers can take showers, à la carte meals, and peaceful workstations are among the passenger amenities.
Navigation is made easier by bilingual staff and on-site signs, while electronics are kept alive and well with free Wi-Fi and lots of charging stations. There are many taxis and rental cars available, plus there is a direct rail to Casablanca’s heart that connects the airport to the city well. Serving a diverse range of passengers, the eating options range from tagines and mint tea to well-known fast-food restaurants. Although the airport is well-equipped to handle the influx of travellers in a smooth manner, it can grow crowded during certain seasons.
Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa – ADD/HAAB
The main hub of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, has grown considerably to handle the increase of traffic. Airy and larger concourses, better signage, and additional seating are features of the renovated terminals. In addition to international shops, there is now an increasing number of Ethiopian coffee shops and local crafts in the shopping area. During lengthy intercontinental flights, the luxury passenger lounges provide hot meals, showers, and quiet areas. Parking and car rental are accessible on site, and although ground transportation is still under development, it still provides private transfers, hotel shuttles, and taxis. Although peak times can be hectic, staff training and route enhancements are meant to make the experience more seamless. Additionally, free Wi-Fi coverage has improved in major cities, and charging stations are becoming more widespread.
Kigali International Airport – KGL/HRYR
The airport in Kigali is small, effective, and always clean. Transfers are rapid due to its compact size, and connecting times are kept to a minimum by the near proximity to check-in, security, and gates. The terminal is contemporary, with useful information kiosks and a small number of stores offering necessities, crafts, and Rwandan coffee. The lounges are charming, providing business travellers with drinks, snacks, and workplaces in addition to functional family amenities and clean, accessible restrooms. The employees are renowned for providing prompt, polite service.
Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the main modes of transportation into the city, and they are simple to locate when you are there. Good lighting and free Wi-Fi make the trip enjoyable overall.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius – MRU/FIMP
The main airport in Mauritius is well-maintained, friendly, and ideal for island travel. The terminal has a resort-like vibe thanks to its spacious layout, cosy lighting, convenient signage, and walking distances. Local rum, vanilla, and handcrafted trinkets are available at the duty-free event, while eateries and cafes serve seafood and tropical drinks that are typical of the island.
While the family-friendly amenities include stroller access and clean baby-change facilities, the premium passenger lounges offer cosy seats, food service and views across the apron. With counters positioned conveniently close to exits, transportation options include pre-booked hotel shuttles, taxis, and vehicle rentals. Immigration and luggage clearance are also often efficient, which lessens the stress of arriving for vacationers.
Cairo International Airport – CAI/HECA
The busiest airport in Egypt and a major regional entry point is Cairo, whose expansive terminals reflect heavy traffic. Despite the intricate and long configuration, the recent improvements have made navigation easier with better illumination, signs, and passenger amenities. Long-distance passengers can benefit from the lounges’ peaceful retreats, complete meals, and showers.
Duty-free shopping, local crafts, leather items, and perfumes are all available, and there are cafes and restaurants serving Egyptian food alongside worldwide franchises. Taxis, hotel shuttles and coach services are available modes of transportation; nevertheless, Cairo’s congested streets may cause delays on travels into the city. The personnel are skilled at expediting heavy passenger flows, and the immigration and security checks are comprehensive.
Ivato International Airport, Madagascar – TNR/FMMI
Small in size but gradually renovated, Ivato offers guests a warm and well-organised welcome to Madagascar. Walking distances are modest thanks to the small terminal, and baggage claim and immigration procedures are typically completed quickly. A modest but practical duty-free section, a few cafes with Malagasy snacks, and a business centre with beverages and office supplies are among the amenities. With accessible restrooms and baby-change facilities, the family amenities are simple yet practical. Ground transportation options include taxis, rental cars and scheduled transfers; exits and pick-up locations are clearly marked. The staff’s kind and understanding service, which makes the trip easier, is regularly commended.
