History, terminals, lounges, shopping, dining, facilities — everything you need to know about Africa's busiest and most-connected airport.
OR Tambo International Airport (IATA: JNB, ICAO: FAOR) is located in Kempton Park, Gauteng, approximately 25 kilometres east of Johannesburg's CBD and 50 kilometres from Pretoria. Sitting at an elevation of 1,694 metres above sea level on the Highveld plateau, it is one of the world's highest-altitude major airports — a fact that affects aircraft performance and requires longer runway distances.
The airport is operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the state-owned entity that manages nine South African commercial airports. OR Tambo has consistently ranked as the busiest airport in Africa by passenger numbers and international traffic, handling more than 28 million passengers annually across 140+ destinations served by 46 airlines.
It is the primary hub for South African Airways (SAA), the flag carrier, and serves as an important transit point for passengers travelling between Europe, the Americas, Asia and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. Major carriers including Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Delta all operate significant services.
25 km east of Johannesburg CBD via N12 or R21. Gautrain: 15 min to Sandton from inside Terminal B. Uber/Bolt: pick up at P2 ground floor.
From a modest post-war airfield in the Highveld to the beating commercial heart of a continent — seven decades of aviation history.
The airport opens in Kempton Park, replacing Rand Airport as the Witwatersrand's primary civil aviation facility. Named after Prime Minister Jan Smuts, it initially handles domestic routes and modest regional services. The new facility features one terminal and one paved runway.
The introduction of commercial jet aircraft drives rapid expansion. A second runway is constructed and the terminal is significantly enlarged to accommodate the new Boeing 707s operated by South African Airways. Long-haul routes to Europe are established for the first time.
A dedicated international terminal opens, separating domestic and international traffic flows. Simultaneously, international sanctions over apartheid begin reducing airlines. South African Airways responds with long-haul routes via Ilha do Sal and other stopovers to circumvent airspace restrictions.
South Africa's transition to democracy ends decades of isolation. Airlines flood back, routes multiply, and Jan Smuts is renamed Johannesburg International Airport. International passenger numbers surge as the country re-joins the global community. ACSA is established to manage the airport.
On 27 October 2006, the airport is renamed Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport in honour of the legendary anti-apartheid activist and ANC leader Oliver Tambo, who spent 30 years in exile working tirelessly for South Africa's liberation. The renaming is widely celebrated.
South Africa's hosting of the FIFA World Cup triggers a R5 billion infrastructure investment at OR Tambo. A new central terminal building, expanded international pier, state-of-the-art baggage handling system, and the Gautrain rapid rail connection (terminating inside Terminal B) are all completed. Passenger capacity increases to 28 million annually.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent South Africa travel bans devastate traffic. OR Tambo operates at less than 10% capacity for much of 2020–2021. A phased recovery begins with domestic routes in late 2021 and international routes through 2022, ultimately returning to near pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
OR Tambo handles over 28 million passengers annually, serving 140+ destinations across 6 continents with 46 airlines. The airport retains its position as Africa's busiest and most-connected hub, with ongoing capital investment to expand terminal capacity, improve passenger experience, and meet growing demand from sub-Saharan Africa's rising middle class.
Understanding which terminal serves your flight is critical — OR Tambo's terminals are spread across a large complex. Each serves a specific type of traffic.
OR Tambo has 14 lounges across its terminals. Here are the most accessible options — including two pay-per-entry lounges open to all travellers regardless of airline or travel class.
South Africa's most popular independent lounge accepts walk-in guests at a flat daily rate. Comfortable seating, buffet food, full bar, showers, high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations. Accepted cards: Diners Club, Priority Pass, Lounge Key, DragonPass.
South African Airways' flagship domestic lounge at OR Tambo. Open to Voyager Gold and Platinum members, SAA Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold card holders. A la carte dining, full bar, newspapers and excellent runway views.
British Airways operates two lounge tiers in international departures: First Wing (First Class & Oneworld Emerald) and Business Lounge (Club World & Oneworld Sapphire). Both offer champagne service, hot food, and private day beds in the First lounge.
Emirates' premium lounge in the international pier caters to Business and First Class passengers on EK flights from JNB. Signature Emirates à la carte dining, Arabic mezze, a full cocktail bar, spa treatment rooms, and Emirates' characteristic luxury service.
Open to American Express Platinum, Centurion and Gold cardholders (with lounge benefit). A stylish and relatively quiet lounge with a solid food and beverage offering, fast Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Companion access varies by card tier.
From 24-hour medical care to children's play zones, currency exchange to spa treatments — OR Tambo is fully equipped for every passenger need.
International duty-free (Heinemann, DFS), luxury fashion, Woolworths Food, Exclusive Books, Cape Union Mart, jewellery, electronics, and travel accessories across all terminals.
Best duty-free: International Departures (Terminal A) airside — largest selection and VAT-free pricing for international passengers.
Nando's, Ocean Basket, Mugg & Bean, Vida e Caffè, Kauai, Steers, KFC, Woolworths Café, Marble Restaurant (international), Spur and a wide range of fast food and sit-down options across all terminals and both airside and landside.
Full medical clinic in Terminal B (International Arrivals). Services include emergency treatment, general practitioner consultations, prescription medication, travel vaccinations (including yellow fever certificates), and basic pharmacy. Open 24 hours, 7 days.
Multiple forex bureaux including Bidvest Bank, FNB, Standard Bank, and ABSA operate in both International Arrivals and Departures. ATMs accepting Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are available in every terminal. Open hours vary — 24hr ATMs are near Terminal B exits.
ACSA Free Wi-Fi covers all terminals. Connect to "ACSA Free Wi-Fi" with no password — the captive portal gives 30 minutes free. Additional time available via paid day pass (R30). Multiple charging stations and USB ports installed throughout all terminals.
O.R. Tambo Spa operates in the International Departures area offering massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and full beauty treatments — bookable on the day for a rejuvenating pre-flight treatment. Ideal for early arrivals or passengers with long layovers.
Dedicated children's play zones are located in the International Departures terminal and Domestic terminals. Supervised play areas with interactive stations, seating for parents, and themed environments keep young passengers entertained during delays and long layovers.
Multi-faith prayer rooms are available in the International Departures terminal (airside and landside) and Domestic terminals. Separate male and female ablution facilities with qibla direction indicators. Open to all faiths 24 hours.
OR Tambo is fully accessible with wheelchair-accessible paths, lifts, and facilities throughout. Passengers requiring special assistance should notify their airline 48 hours before travel. ACSA's Special Assistance team can be reached on +27 11 395 2027. Disabled parking in zone P9.
OR Tambo has 6 terminals labelled A–F: Terminal A (International Departures), B (International Arrivals + Gautrain), C (Domestic SAA/BA), D (Domestic LCC – FlySafair, Kulula, Lift), E (Regional African), and F (VIP/Charter only).
Yes — ACSA Free Wi-Fi covers all terminals. Connect without a password; you receive 30 minutes complimentary. Unlimited day passes are R30 via the captive portal. Generally reliable for email and browsing — speed varies during peak hours.
Yes — a 24-hour medical clinic operates in Terminal B (International Arrivals). Services include emergency treatment, GP consultations, travel vaccinations (yellow fever certificates available), pharmacy, and basic x-ray. Contact: +27 11 395 1259.
Over 140 retail stores including international duty-free (Heinemann, DFS), Woolworths Food, Exclusive Books, Cape Union Mart, jewellery (Swarovski, Pandora), electronics, and a wide range of South African craft and souvenir shops. Duty-free is largest in the airside International Departures area of Terminal A.
Any departing passenger can access the Bidvest Premier Lounge for R350 per person (pay-per-entry at the door). Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and DragonPass are also accepted. This lounge is available in both International and Domestic departures areas and is open 05:00–22:00.
The airport was renamed on 27 October 2006 to honour Oliver Reginald Tambo (1917–1993), the legendary ANC leader and anti-apartheid activist who served as ANC President for 22 years. Tambo spent 30 years in exile building international solidarity for South Africa's liberation movement. The renaming recognises his pivotal role in ending apartheid and was widely celebrated as a deeply symbolic moment in post-apartheid South Africa.