Lagos, Nigeria — September 16, 2025
Africa’s aviation sector is experiencing strong passenger growth, but recent data show that Cairo International Airport remains the busiest on the continent, handling nearly 29 million passengers in 2024. It is followed by Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport with about 18.4 million passengers and Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport with roughly 11.8 million.
Contrary to some reports, Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport is not the continent’s busiest, with traffic estimated at around 6.5 million passengers, placing it further down the rankings.
The surge in passenger numbers across Africa underscores the region’s expanding connectivity and economic activity, but it has also exposed infrastructure gaps. In response, the Nigerian government has approved a US$615 million investment plan to modernize airport facilities, improve navigation and security systems, and expand Lagos’ capacity to accommodate up to 20 million passengers annually.
Analysts warn that without sustained investment in terminals, runways, and air traffic systems, Africa’s busiest hubs risk falling behind growing demand.