If you plan to go on safari in Africa, then Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) will probably be included in your plans. Many flights to safari parks throughout Africa originate at the airport. Flights from the airport also serve domestic routes within South Africa, continental routes within Africa, and global routes to many destinations beyond. The terminals are modern and have recently been upgraded to accommodate the Airbus A380. Easy access, via major motorways and a new rapid rail transit, is available from Johannesburg plus nearby Pretoria. An interesting fact about the airport is that its runways are listed as some of the longest in the world. The location is 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, therefore, they are extra-long to allow aircraft extra space to obtain lift in the thin air.
O. R. Tambo International Through Time
O. R. Tambo International opened in 1952 and originally was named Jan Smuts Airport. Jan Christian Smuts was a prominent South African statesman, military leader, and philosopher. The airport continued to modernize to adapt to the introduction of jet aircraft in the 1960’s, wide-body aircraft in the 1970’s, and the super-jumbo A380 aircraft of the 2000’s. In 2006, the airport was renamed O. R. Tambo International Airport to honor Oliver Reginald Tambo, the former president of the African National Congress (ANC) and one of South Africa’s iconic leaders.
Airline Service
More than 40 airlines serve O. R. Tambo International. South African Airways, which includes its subsidiaries Mango and South African Express, is the airports largest operator. The company also maintains its main base on the airport grounds. Other global airlines operating at the airport include Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, EL AL, Emirates, Ethiopian, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa, QANTAS, Qatar, Saudia, Singapore, Swiss, Thai, Turkish, and Virgin Atlantic. International flights are handled through Terminal A and the international part of Terminal B. Domestic South African flights are handled through Terminal B. The airport is also a major airport for handling air cargo. It is served by over 15 airlines including major carriers such as Cargolux, Emirates SkyCargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Martinair, Singapore Airlines Cargo, and Turkish Airlines Cargo providing service.
Traffic Statistics
In 2017, over 20.6 million passengers traveled through O. R. Tambo International. Service to London Heathrow has the most traffic followed by service to Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia, and Kenya.
What To Expect While Visiting
Terminals at O. R. Tambo International offer a whole mélange of shops, restaurants, bars, services, and premium lounges to visit while waiting to board your flight. Shops include duty free department stores, jewelry vendors, clothing shops, plus vendors selling African arts and crafts. Services available include express service spas, a medical clinic, a dry cleaner, and a branch of the South African Post Office.
Do you want to wait for your flight in a peaceful escape? If so, then there are several premium lounges that provide comfortable surroundings, food, and drink throughout the terminals. There is even one in the International Arrivals area to use for when you return. Access to the airport lounges may be booked in advance through online services such as Lounge Buddy and Lounge Pass. You may also enter a lounge and pay at the reception desk. Waiting in a lounge with its provisions such as food, drink, and peaceful escape is a wonderful way to spend time.
In summary, O. R. Tambo International Airport offers a wonderful gateway to South Africa and the African continent. The airport is comfortable, interesting, and modern.
