O. R. Tambo International Airport: A Comprehensive Guide

Nov 07, 2025 0

O. R. Tambo International Airport (IATA: JNB, ICAO: FAOR) is an international airport serving the twin cities of Johannesburg and the main capital of South Africa, Pretoria. It is situated in Kempton Park, Gauteng. It serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel for South Africa and since 2020, it is Africa's second busiest airport, with a capacity to handle up to 28 million passengers annually.

History and Background

The airport was founded in 1952 as Jan Smuts International Airport, two years after Smuts's death. The airport was originally known as Jan Smuts International Airport, after the former South African Prime Minister. In the late 1950s, jet passenger aircraft became the norm and there was a need to expand the existing ground facilities at the airport, which began in the 1960s and early-1970s.

The late 1960s saw a new choice of aircraft for South African Airways, the Boeing 747. A decision was made by the Minister of Transport to obtain three, later five 747s for the airline. Delivery would begin in October 1971 with the first flight to London on 10 December 1971 with daily services from February 1972. These purchases however required new hangar facilities with the contract awarded in September 1969 initially worth R2,983,408.

Construction started in December 1968 and was completed in October 1971 for R8,000,000 while other work at the airport associated with the arrival of these new aircraft brought the costs to R40,000,000. Other new buildings such as workshops, testing facilities, stores, staff accommodation and air cargo handling building were built. It was used as a test airport for Concorde during the 1970s, to determine how the aircraft would perform while taking off and landing at high elevations ('hot and high' testing).

During the 1980s, many countries stopped trading with South Africa because of the United Nation sanctions imposed against South Africa in the struggle against apartheid, and many international airlines stopped flying to the airport. These sanctions also resulted in South African Airways being refused rights to fly over most African countries, and in addition, the risk of flying over some African countries was emphasised by the shooting down of two passenger aircraft over Rhodesia (e.g. Air Rhodesia Flight 825 and 827), forcing them to fly around the "bulge" of Africa. This required specially-modified aircraft like the long-range Boeing 747SP.

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In December 1993, a R120,000,000 upgrade at the airport was completed. The main part of the projects was an 880 m, 3000 t steel airside corridor consisting of two levels high of 6 m wide with thirteen passenger bridges. The upper levels are connected to the departure lounges through security screening points. Lower levels are for arrivals for entry into the immigration and custom areas. A future provision for extensions to this airside corridor was included in the design. A new airside bus terminal was also added for bussing in passengers to aircraft not able dock next to the terminal.

Following the ending of apartheid, the airport's name, and that of other international airports in South Africa, were changed and these restrictions were lifted. The airport overtook Cairo International Airport in 1996 as the busiest airport in Africa and is the fourth-busiest airport in the Africa-Middle East region after Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

In late 2005, a proposal was made for the airport to be renamed "O. R. Tambo International", after former African National Congress President and anti-apartheid activist Oliver Tambo, in a change to the policy of neutrally-named airports. The proposal was formally announced in the Government Gazette of South Africa on 30 June 2006, allowing a 30-day window for the public to register objections. The name change was implemented on 27 October 2006 with the unveiling of new signs at the airport. Critics noted the expense involved in renaming the airport.

O. R. Tambo International Airport is a hot and high airport. The South African Airways Museum once was located at the airport. This room full of South African Airways memorabilia was started by two fans of the airline as a temporary location until they could set it up in one of Jan Smuts International's buildings in 1987. The airport has two viewing decks. One is located above the Central Terminal Building, and the other in an administrative section of the airport above the international check-in counters.

Runways and Taxiways

O. R. Tambo International Airport has two parallel runways adjacent to the airport's terminal buildings. There used to be a third runway, 09/27, but it was closed and became taxiway Juliet. Fully laden aircraft require a far greater length of runway to achieve take-off velocity at this altitude. The runways are equipped with approach lighting systems. Sequenced flashers are not used at any South African runways and therefore not installed.

Touchdown zone (TDZ) lighting is available, but never turned on. Runway Threshold, Edge and Centerline lights are the only lighting available. During busy periods, outbound flights use the western runway (03L/21R) for take-off, while inbound flights use the eastern runway (03R/21L) for landing.

O. R. Tambo International Airport has a network of asphalt taxiways connecting runways, aprons and maintenance facilities. All of these taxiways are 30.5 metres wide, except for taxiways Echo and Juliet which are 60 metres wide; they were formerly runways 14/32 and 09/27, respectively. The airport also has nine aprons. Cargo aircraft park at aprons Golf and Whiskey. Many airlines have their aircraft wait long hours between arriving and departing flights. Such aircraft and other cargo aircraft are parked at aprons Delta and Foxtrot to free up jetbridges. Aprons Alpha, Charlie and Echo have jetbridges that connect them to their respective gates.

Terminals and Layout

The Central Terminal Building (CTB) (cost: R2 billion) boosted passenger capacity at the landside of the terminal in 3 levels, and allows direct access from international and domestic terminals. Additional luggage carousels were added on 12 March 2010 to accommodate the Airbus A380. Arrivals are accommodated on Level 1, with departures expanded on Level 3; Level 2 accommodates further retail and commercial activities. The new International Pier (cost: R535 million) has increased international arrivals and departures capacity in a two-storey structure with nine additional airside contact stands, four of which are Airbus A380 compatible. Air bridges are already in place and the existing duty-free mall will be extended into this area.

There are six terminals at the airport, in three major areas: the international terminals; the domestic terminals; and the transit terminals. The transit terminal housed disused parts of the old domestic terminals. It has been mostly demolished to build a new Central Terminal that will provide an indoor link between domestic and international terminals, as well as a central passenger check-in area and more gates. It was constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Terminals A1 and A2 handle international passengers while the other two terminals handle domestic passengers. Due to the airport's design, departure and arrivals terminals are considered separate terminals. The two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, have been restructured. Several airlines now use Terminal B for all check-ins, for both national and international flights.

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Given that OR Tambo is not that big compared to say, London Heathrow (LHR), it can be confusing to navigate for first-time visitors. That’s because the terminals are spread over four floors and often referred to by different names. In reality, there are two main terminals: Terminal A (for international flights) and Terminal B (for domestic flights), with a Central Terminal that acts as a covered walkway in between them.

On Level 0, you’ll find International Arrivals in Terminal A and Domestic Arrivals in Terminal B. Level 1 hosts International Departures and check-in counters (Terminal A) and Domestic Departures (Terminal B). However, the domestic check-in counters are located separately on Level 2. Level 3 is reserved for the Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge. Levels are connected by a series of lifts, and walking between the two terminals is easy.

The first time I flew out of OR Tambo, I got completely confused by the fact that there are exceptions to the above rule. Check-in desks for all South African Airways and Qantas flights, for example, are located in Terminal B regardless of whether you’re flying locally or long distance. Be sure to check your boarding pass carefully, and make use of the helpful information desks if you get lost.

Airlines and Destinations

O. R. Tambo International Airport is one of only three airports in the Africa-Middle East region-as well as the only one properly located in Africa-that has non-stop flights to all six inhabited continents, the other two being Dubai International Airport and Doha International Airport.

The longest flight from Johannesburg JNB is a 8,435 mile (13,575 km) non-stop route to Atlanta ATL. In total there are 45 airlines flying from and to Johannesburg.

The following is an overview of all non-stop intercontinental flights operating from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Please note that there are no direct services between Johannesburg and Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, Southern Asia, Japan or Central Asia.

Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to Europe
- Lufthansa (Star Alliance): year-round to Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC).
- Condor: year-round to Frankfurt (FRA).
- Swiss (Star Alliance): year-round to Zürich (ZRH).
- Air France (SkyTeam): year-round to Paris (CDG).
- KLM (SkyTeam): year-round to Amsterdam (AMS).
- British Airways (Oneworld): year-round to London Heathrow (LHR).
- Virgin Atlantic (SkyTeam): year-round to London Heathrow (LHR).
Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to the US
- Delta is currently the only airline flying non-stop from Johannesburg to the United States. They fly year-round to Atlanta (ATL).
Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to South America
- South African Airways (Star Alliance): year-round to São Paulo (GRU).
- LATAM: year-round to São Paulo (GRU).
Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to the Middle-East / Western Asia
- Emirates: year-round to Dubai (DXB).
- Etihad Airways: year-round to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- Qatar Airways (Oneworld): year-round to Doha (DOH).
- Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance): year-round to Istanbul (IST).
Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to China
- Air China is currently the only airline flying non-stop from Johannesburg to China. They fly year-round to Shenzhen (SZX).
Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to East Asia
- Cathay Pacific is currently the only airline flying non-stop from Johannesburg to Eastern Asia. They fly year-round to Hong Kong (HKG).
Non-stop flights from Johannesburg to South-East Asia
- Singapore Airlines is currently the only airline flying non-stop from Johannesburg to South-Eastern Asia.

Passenger and Aircraft Statistics

O. R. Tambo International Airport recorded 21.2 million passengers in 2017-2018, up from 20.7 million passengers the year before. Of those passengers, 9.2 million were international and 11 million domestic, with the remainder being classified as "regional" or "unscheduled". 220,644 aircraft traffic movements were recorded; the majority being domestic services.

Passenger traffic per fiscal year for O. R.

Annual aircraft movements for O. R.

Facilities and Services

One thing I love about OR Tambo is that there is no shortage of shops in which to while away time between flights, located before and after security in both terminals. Browse book stores and luggage shops, stock up on essentials in the newsagents or splash out on everything from South African diamonds to internationally renowned designer clothing labels.

I always visit the Big 5 Duty Free in International Departures, and especially love Out of Africa for last-minute gifts. If you choose to stock up on the country’s edible delicacies, be sure to check whether you’re allowed to travel with them to your onward destination, though. I once bought a stash of biltong (cured meat) for my Dad only to have it confiscated by UK customs hours later.

OR Tambo also offers plenty of dining outlets, from South African and international fast food brands to cafés and restaurants. Head to the food court in Terminal B for budget options like Wimpy, Spur or Steers; or grab gourmet snacks to go from the Woolworths branch in Central Terminal. My personal favorite for draught beers and sit-down meals with an emphasis on South African produce is Terminal B’s Aircraft Brewers.

All passengers are entitled to four hours or up to 1GB of free internet at OR Tambo, after which you can buy additional time on a pay-as-you-go basis. Other useful amenities available at the airport include banks, foreign exchange bureaus, pharmacies, a clinic and several designated smoking areas.

Do not (as I did on my first visit) count on being able to purchase a local SIM at the airport. Although there are cell phone shops, all SIM cards in South Africa must be RICA’d, a registration process that requires you to provide proof of your full name and local residential address. Instead, look into affordable roaming packages, invest in a portable hotspot or prepare to rely on Wi-Fi.

One thing OR Tambo lacks is an abundance of comfortable, free seating especially prior to passing through security. If I have an hour or so to kill I usually spend it at one of the many excellent restaurants; but for longer layovers it’s definitely worth investing in a lounge pass. There are six pay-per-use lounges to choose from, all of which offer complimentary refreshments, beverages, showers and unlimited Wi-Fi.

In Terminal B there’s the Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge on Level 1 and the Bidvest Sky Premium Lounge on Level 3. In Terminal A, you have the Aspire Lounge and the Shongololo Premium Lounge on Level 1, and the Bidvest Premier Premium Lounge or the Mashonzha Premium Lounge on Level 2. South African Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Emirates also offer exclusive lounges for their top-tier passengers.

Airport Hotels

There are five official airport hotels located either within the airport precinct or a few minutes away via free hotel shuttle. The closest is the 5-star InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, which is located just a few steps outside the airport’s main entrance. The furthest is a five-minute drive away, making all options convenient for a late night arrival or early morning departure.

Transportation

South African Airways is headquartered in Airways Park on the grounds of O. R. Tambo International Airport. The building was developed by Stauch Vorster Architects. Airways Park was completed in March 1997 for R70 Million ($17.5 Million).

The Gautrain, a modern regional express rail system, serves the airport thanks to its station located directly in the terminal. It links the airport with Sandton, a major business district and a primary tourist area, and, from there, the rest of the Gautrain system.

The airport is easily accessible by car and it is located 20 kilometres northeast of Johannesburg Central at the eastern end of the R24 Airport Freeway. It can be accessed by the R24 Airport Freeway (also known as the Albertina Sisulu Freeway) from Johannesburg Central to the west and the R21 highway from Pretoria to the north and the central part of the East Rand to the south. The R24 intersects with the R21 near the airport and with the O. R. Tambo Airport Highway.

Five bus city lines, operated by Metrobus and Putco, pass through the airport twice a day. The buses are accessible in the morning and the evening, when there are many passengers departing and arriving.

If you’re staying locally, I highly recommend booking a hotel or B&B that offers a secure airport transfer. That’s because most forms of public transport in South Africa are not considered safe for tourists.

Gautrain

There is an exception: the Gautrain, an express rail system serving the Gauteng area that offers 24-hour security at all stations, CCTV at the stations and on the train, and secure fencing along the entire route. The Gautrain’s Airport Service runs between OR Tambo and the Johannesburg suburbs of Sandton and Marlboro. From either of these stations, you can connect to other destinations including Midrand, Centurion and Pretoria.

The Gautrain station is located on Level 2. You can purchase a Gautrain Card from the station ticket office or vending machines, or use your own contactless card to pay by tapping in and out at either end of your journey. This service offers set rates in USD to destinations within the Gauteng area (including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Midrand and Sun City) for a variety of vehicles from micro cars for couples to 10-seater mini buses for groups with a lot of luggage.

If you book this service in advance, you will be greeted at arrivals by an official with your name on a sign. I do not recommend accepting a ride with one of the unaffiliated touts on the concourse outside the entrance, and neither would I suggest using Uber to travel from the airport, especially at night.

Car Rental

Although driving in South Africa takes some getting used to, I love the freedom of having your own wheels in a country where self-drive safaris are a thing and public transport is so unreliable. There are many rental companies to choose from at OR Tambo including Europcar, Bidvest, Hertz, Dollar and Sixt. Their offices are located at the far side of the dedicated rental car park, directly outside the entrance.

Parking

There are seven car parks within the airport precinct, offering a range of options from pick-up and drop-off lots to short- and long-stay multi-storey parkades. Some can be booked and paid for in advance using the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) app, while others require payment with cash or card on the day. If you require long-term parking, booking in advance can give you a significant discount.

Of most relevance to visitors are the pick-up and drop-off parking sites. These are located on different, signposted levels at Parkade 2 South (directly in front of the Central Terminal) and unusually for a major international airport, offer a generous grace period of 30 minutes. After that, hourly rates apply.

Safety and Security

Before we delve into the details, a word of warning: OR Tambo does have an unfortunate reputation for petty theft and on several occasions I have had my checked luggage tampered with at this airport. I strongly recommend investing in hardshell, cut-proof luggage with a sturdy lock or having your suitcases wrapped before travel. Where possible, pack any items of value or particular importance in your hand luggage.

Accidents and Incidents

22 September 1972 - A Beech 18 operated by United Air (not to be confused with United Airlines of the United States or United Airways of Bangladesh) crashed 12 km (7.4m) N of JNB while attempting to land back at Johannesburg.
1 March 1988 - A Comair Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante ZS-LGP operating Flight 206, exploded in mid-air whilst on final approach. All seventeen occupants were killed.
22 April 1999 - Boeing 727 ZS-IJE was damaged beyond repair by large hailstones while on approach for landing.
3 November 2001 - A Reims-Cessna F406 crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 03R, killing all three occupants.
9 April 2004 - An Emirates Airbus A340-300 A6-ERN operating flight EK764 from Johannesburg to Dubai sustained serious damage during takeoff when it failed to become airborne before the end of the runway, striking 25 approach lights, causing four tyres to burst which in turn threw debris into various parts of the aircraft, ultimately damaging the flap drive mechanism. This rendered the flaps immoveable in the takeoff position. The aircraft returned for an emergency landing during which the normal braking system failed as a result of the damage.
22 December 2013 - A British Airways Boeing 747-400 G-BNLL operating flight BA33 collided with a building at the airport. Four ground-handling staff in the building sustained minor injuries.
26 October 2015 - A British Airways operated by Comair Boeing 737-400 ZS-OAA operating flight BA6234 from Port Elizabeth suffered a gear collapse while landing at the airport.
12 November 2022 - A South African Airways Airbus A320 (ZS-SZJ) being towed collided with a parked FlySafair Boeing 737-8BG (ZS-SJH) at O. R. Tambo International Airport. No passengers were on board either aircraft at the time. The FlySafair's empennage section and SAA wing tip were damaged.