The Most Beautiful Airport in Africa, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the airport you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 23, 2024 06:20

Traveling through different airports can greatly influence how we start or end our journeys. A beautifully designed airport not only offers a pleasant travel experience but also leaves a lasting impression, promoting cultural appreciation and boosting tourism. Choosing the most visually appealing airport in Africa is a celebration of architecture and aesthetics, showcasing each region's dedication to both form and function. By participating in the voting process for the most beautiful airport, your preferences help identify which airports are most appreciated by travelers and why. This feedback is invaluable for travelers planning their trips and influences future developments at these hubs. Engage with a community of travelers and contribute your voice to celebrate and shape the future of travel in Africa.

What Is the Most Beautiful Airport in Africa?

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22
votes
Andres de Wet · CC BY-SA 3.0

Cape Town International Airport, South Africa

With its breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the ocean, Cape Town International Airport is considered one of the most beautiful airports in Africa. The airport's modern architecture and design are also impressive.
Cape Town International Airport, located in Cape Town, South Africa, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful airports in Africa. With its stunning architecture and modern facilities, it provides a pleasant and convenient travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.

Size: Approximately 120,000 square meters

Terminal Capacity: Approximately 14 million passengers per year

Runways: Two runways measuring 3,500 meters and 1,700 meters in length

Terminals: Three main terminals: Domestic, International, and Central Terminal Building

Design: Aesthetic design inspired by the natural beauty of Cape Town with elements of the region's heritage
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39
votes
Jason7825 · Public domain

Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco

Marrakesh Menara Airport boasts stunning Moroccan architecture and design, with a beautiful garden and fountain in the middle of the terminal.
Marrakesh Menara Airport is a stunning airport located in Marrakesh, Morocco. It is known for its blend of traditional Moroccan architecture, modern design, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Location: The airport is located approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Marrakesh city center.

Architecture: The architectural style of the airport combines traditional Moroccan elements with contemporary design.

Terminal Building: The terminal building is an impressive structure with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to illuminate the interior.

Gardens: The airport features beautifully landscaped gardens that create a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

Runways and Aprons: The airport has two runways and multiple aprons to accommodate a large number of aircraft.
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12
votes
On tour · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, Egypt

Located near the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The airport's design includes a traditional Bedouin tent-like roof structure.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is a stunning airport located in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It is known for its modern design, spacious facilities, and beautiful surrounding landscape.

Location: Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Year of Construction: 1998

Terminal Capacity: up to 12 million passengers per year

Runways: 2 runways

Passenger Terminals: 2 terminals
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26
votes
li yong · CC BY-SA 2.0

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has a unique design inspired by traditional Kenyan architecture, with a stunning roof that looks like a Maasai shield. The airport is also surrounded by gardens and green space.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in East Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. It serves as a major gateway to the region and is known for its modern infrastructure and stunning design.

Size: The airport covers an area of over 7,400 acres.

Terminals: It has a total of two passenger terminals, Terminal 1A and Terminal 1E.

Capacity: The airport has the capacity to handle over 7 million passengers annually.

Runways: There are two parallel runways, each measuring around 4 kilometers in length.

Flight Connections: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has direct flight connections to numerous destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
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13
votes
http://eric.jain.name/ · CC BY-SA 3.0

Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, Namibia

Namibian government

Surrounded by the beautiful African savannah, Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport features a unique design inspired by Namibia's traditional basket weaving. The airport also has beautiful artwork and sculptures.
The Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport is the primary international airport serving Namibia. Located around 45 kilometers east of Windhoek, the capital city, this airport serves as the gateway to the country's stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. It was named after Hosea Kutako, a prominent Namibian nationalist leader.

Location: Approximately 45 km east of Windhoek, Namibia

Opened: 1985

IATA code: WDH

ICAO code: FYWH

Elevation: 5,620 feet (1,713 meters)
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13
votes
ProtoplasmaKid · CC BY 4.0

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia

Ethiopian Airports Enterprise

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the main gateway to Ethiopia and has a modern design that incorporates traditional Ethiopian motifs. The airport also features beautiful artwork and sculptures.
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Ethiopia. It serves as the main gateway to the country, handling both domestic and international flights. The airport is located in the Bole district of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. It is known for its modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, offering passengers a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Size: Total land area of 22 square kilometers

Passenger Capacity: Ability to handle over 22 million passengers annually

Terminal Buildings: A main passenger terminal and a domestic terminal

Runways: Two runways, one measuring 3,800 meters and another measuring 4,200 meters

Airlines: Serves as the major hub for Ethiopian Airlines
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12
votes
Simisa (talk · contribs) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius

Government of Mauritius

Located on the beautiful island of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport boasts a modern design with a nod to the island's natural beauty. The airport's architecture includes a stunning glass and steel structure.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, also known as Mauritius Airport, is the primary international gateway to the stunning island nation of Mauritius. It is named after Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister and Father of the Nation of Mauritius. The airport is located in Plaine Magnien, approximately 48 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Port Louis. With its modern design, lush surroundings, and excellent facilities, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport offers a pleasant and convenient travel experience for passengers.

Location: Plaine Magnien, Mauritius

Airport Code: MRU

Year of Construction: 1942

Terminal Area: 56,000 square meters

Runway Length: 3,200 meters
8

8
votes
Pharaoh han · CC BY-SA 3.0

Cairo International Airport, Egypt

Dar Llermanos Architects

Cairo International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Africa and has a beautiful design that combines traditional Egyptian motifs with modern elements. The airport also includes beautiful gardens and fountains.
Cairo International Airport in Egypt is a modern and stunning airport that combines contemporary architectural design with elements of Egypt's rich cultural heritage. Located in Heliopolis, just outside of Cairo, the airport serves as the primary gateway to Egypt and is one of the busiest airports in Africa.

Opened: 1963

Terminal Area: 191,000 square meters

Number of Terminals: 3

Annual Passenger Traffic: over 15 million

Runway Length: 3,600 meters
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8
votes
Kieron Thwaites · CC BY-SA 2.0

King Shaka International Airport, South Africa

Located in Durban, King Shaka International Airport features stunning views of the Indian Ocean and has a modern design inspired by the Zulu culture. The airport also includes beautiful artwork and sculptures.
King Shaka International Airport is located in La Mercy, Durban, South Africa. It serves as the primary airport for the province of KwaZulu-Natal and is named after King Shaka, the founder of the Zulu Kingdom. The airport was opened in May 2010, replacing the old Durban International Airport. With its modern design and stunning architecture, it has become one of the most beautiful airports in Africa.

Location: La Mercy, Durban, South Africa

Year Opened: 2010

Airport Type: International

Named After: King Shaka

Capacity: Seven million passengers per year (expandable to 45 million)
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8
votes
Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegal

Blaise Diagne International Airport is a new airport located near Dakar, with a modern design that incorporates traditional Senegalese elements. The airport also includes beautiful artwork and sculptures.
Blaise Diagne International Airport, also known as AIBD, is a modern and stunning airport located near the city of Dakar in Senegal. It is considered one of the most beautiful airports in Africa due to its contemporary architecture and impressive facilities.

Location: Dakar, Senegal

Architectural Style: Contemporary

Year of Completion: 2017

Terminal Size: 42,000 square meters

Passenger Capacity: 3 million per year

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful airport

Architectural Design

The overall design and aesthetic appeal of the airport, including both exterior and interior designs, should be considered. This includes the use of local cultural and historical elements, as well as modern and innovative architectural solutions.
Cleanliness and Maintenance

A well-maintained and clean airport contributes significantly to its beauty. This factor includes the cleanliness of public areas, restrooms, and other facilities, as well as the general upkeep and maintenance of the airport's infrastructure.
Environmental Sustainability

Beautiful airports should also strive to minimize their environmental impact, through the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and eco-friendly practices. This includes aspects like natural lighting, proper waste management, and efficient water usage.
Surrounding Landscape and Views

The airport's surrounding environment and the views it offers to passengers can also contribute to its beauty. This can include the integration of local flora and fauna, or the way the airport's design complements and enhances the natural landscape.
Art and Cultural Elements

The presence of artwork, cultural elements, and other unique features that showcase the region's history and traditions can also contribute to the overall beauty of an airport. This may include sculptures, murals, and displays featuring local art and craftsmanship.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful airport in Africa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or airport is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1801 views
158 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia
Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegal

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each airport once every 24 hours. The rank of each airport is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful airport in africa

Africa is a continent that is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. However, it is also home to some of the most beautiful airports in the world. With state-of-the-art facilities, unique architecture, and breathtaking views, these airports are not just functional hubs for travelers but also destinations in their own right. From the futuristic Cape Town International Airport in South Africa to the traditional Moroccan-inspired Marrakech Menara Airport, Africa boasts an impressive array of stunning airports. Each of these airports has its own unique style and charm, reflecting the local culture and traditions of the region. As air travel continues to grow in popularity, the competition for the title of the most beautiful airport in Africa is becoming more intense. So, which airport do you think deserves the crown? Cast your vote and let us know!