Air travel across Africa is experiencing robust growth, reflecting rising demand for both regional and international travel.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported in January 2026 that African airlines led all regions in international travel growth, with revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) increasing 11.7% year on year.
This followed a strong performance in December 2025, when air travel across the continent rose by 10.3%, marking one of Africa’s busiest months in recent history.
The surge highlights the continent’s recovery and highlights the growing role of air transport in connecting African cities with the rest of the world.
This article presents the ranking of the ten busiest airports in Africa in March 2026 based on data from OAG, a global aviation intelligence platform.
The ranking is determined by departing seats, which measure the total number of seats available on outbound flights, and offers insight into the hubs driving the continent’s aviation growth while supporting tourism, business, and regional connectivity.
Cape Town International Airport ranks fourth among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in March 2026, recording 663,762 seats, up from 597,573 in March 2025, marking an 11.1% year-on-year increase.
As South Africa’s second-busiest airport, it connects the Western Cape to both domestic and international destinations, supporting tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity.
The airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 handles international flights with major global carriers, while Terminal 2 serves domestic routes linking Cape Town to cities like Johannesburg and Durban.
With its modern facilities and strategic location, Cape Town International continues to be a vital gateway to the region’s scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, and economic centers.
