Where is jnb airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: JNB Airport, also known as O.R. Tambo International Airport, is located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa, approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) east of Johannesburg's city center. It serves as Africa's busiest airport, handling over 21 million passengers annually, and operates as the primary hub for South African Airways and other major carriers.

Key Facts

Located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa, 22 km (14 mi) east of Johannesburg
Africa's busiest airport with over 21 million passengers annually
Named after anti-apartheid activist Oliver Reginald Tambo in 2006
Operates as the primary hub for South African Airways
Features two parallel runways: 03L/21R (4,418 m) and 03R/21L (3,400 m)

Overview

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), originally known as Jan Smuts Airport, is South Africa's primary international gateway and the busiest airport on the African continent. Located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, it serves the greater Johannesburg metropolitan area, which includes Pretoria and Ekurhuleni. The airport was renamed in 2006 to honor Oliver Reginald Tambo, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and former president of the African National Congress, reflecting South Africa's post-apartheid transformation.

JNB Airport plays a critical role in connecting South Africa to global destinations, with direct flights to over 100 cities worldwide. It serves as the main hub for South African Airways (SAA) and a significant base for other carriers like British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa. The airport's strategic location in Gauteng, South Africa's economic heartland, makes it a vital transportation node for business and tourism, contributing significantly to the regional economy.

How It Works

JNB Airport operates as a modern aviation facility with comprehensive infrastructure to handle international and domestic traffic efficiently.

Terminal Layout: The airport features two main terminals: Terminal A for international flights and Terminal B for domestic flights, connected by a central terminal building. Terminal A has 72 check-in counters and 28 gates, while Terminal B has 42 check-in counters and 18 gates, facilitating smooth passenger flow.
Runway System: JNB has two parallel runways: 03L/21R (4,418 meters long) and 03R/21L (3,400 meters long), capable of accommodating large aircraft like the Airbus A380. The runways handle over 280,000 aircraft movements annually, with advanced navigation systems ensuring safety in all weather conditions.
Cargo Operations: The airport includes a dedicated cargo terminal that processes over 500,000 metric tons of freight yearly, making it Africa's busiest cargo hub. It supports perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and high-value items, with facilities for cold storage and secure handling.
Passenger Services: JNB offers extensive amenities, including 40+ retail stores, 30+ dining options, lounges, and transit hotels. It provides free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and medical services, with over 15,000 employees working across airlines, security, and retail to serve passengers.

Key Comparisons

Feature	JNB Airport (O.R. Tambo)	CPT Airport (Cape Town International)
Passenger Traffic	Over 21 million annually (2023)	Over 10 million annually (2023)
International Destinations	100+ direct cities worldwide	50+ direct cities, primarily in Africa and Europe
Cargo Volume	500,000+ metric tons yearly	150,000+ metric tons yearly
Runway Length	4,418 m (longest runway)	3,201 m (longest runway)
Hub Status	Primary hub for South African Airways	Secondary hub for domestic and regional flights

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: JNB Airport contributes over R70 billion (approximately $3.7 billion) annually to South Africa's GDP, supporting thousands of jobs in aviation, tourism, and logistics. It facilitates trade and investment by connecting businesses to global markets, with cargo operations enabling exports of minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods.
Tourism and Connectivity: As Africa's busiest airport, JNB is a key entry point for tourists, hosting over 10 million international visitors yearly. It provides vital links to safari destinations, cultural sites, and business centers, boosting South Africa's tourism industry, which employs over 1.5 million people nationally.
Regional Development: The airport drives growth in Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province, by attracting infrastructure investments and enhancing mobility. It supports urban development in Kempton Park and surrounding areas, with plans for expansion to handle projected passenger increases to 30 million by 2030.

Looking ahead, JNB Airport is poised to maintain its leadership in African aviation through ongoing upgrades, such as terminal expansions and sustainability initiatives. Investments in technology and partnerships with global airlines will enhance its role as a gateway to Africa, supporting economic recovery and regional integration in the coming decades.