Africa missing on list of world’s busiest airports in 2024 

…as Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ranks top

Africa’s aviation industry faces significant challenges, as evidenced by the continent’s absence from the list of the world’s busiest airports in 2024.

According to a recent chart by Statista, an online platform that specialises in data gathering and visualisation, no single African airport featured on the list.

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport tops the list, serving a staggering 108 million passengers, followed closely by Dubai International Airport with 92.3 million passengers. Other airports in the top tier include:

• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport: 87.8 million passengers
• Haneda Airport, Tokyo: 85.9 million passengers
• London Heathrow Airport*: 83.9 million passengers
• Denver International Airport*: 82.4 million passengers
• Istanbul Airport: 80.1 million passengers
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport: 80 million passengers

The absence of African airports from this list raises concerns about the continent’s aviation industry. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), several factors contribute to African airports’ struggles, including:

• Infrastructure deficits:  Inadequate airport infrastructure hinders efficiency and passenger experience.
• Inadequate aircraft capacity: Limited aircraft capacity restricts airline growth and competitiveness.
• High taxes and charges: Burdensome taxes and fees increase ticket prices, making air travel less accessible.
• Limited collaboration: Insufficient cooperation among African countries and airlines restricts growth.
• Outdated technology: Airports lag in digitalisation, leading to inefficiencies.

To address these challenges, Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice president, emphasises the need for governments to recognise aviation as a catalyst for economic growth and reduce burdensome taxes.

By investing in infrastructure, promoting private sector participation, and liberalising air transport markets, African airports can work towards becoming more efficient, passenger-friendly, and competitive in the global aviation industry, according to IATA.