The largest airport in South Africa is located in Johannesburg and is named after politician Oliver Tambo. The airport serves local and international flights. In terms of passenger traffic, the airport is the busiest in Africa. About 20 million passengers are served here annually.
Airport them. O. R. Tambo is located 24 kilometers from the city of Johannesburg. From here you can fly to many destinations, the airport cooperates with a number of airlines around the world.
The airfield has 2 runways, 4418 and 3400 meters long. They meet all standards and are capable of receiving any type of aircraft, including the world's largest aircraft Airbus A380, which was first adopted at the end of 2006.
The airport is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, which creates some difficulties during takeoff. For example, a Johannesburg-Washington flight is impossible without refueling due to the fact that the plane cannot take off with a full tank filled. On the return flight, Washington-Johannesburg, the plane flies directly, without having to land.
History
The Johannesburg airport opened in 1952, replacing Palmetfontein Airport, which has provided regular flights to Europe since 1945.
Since the beginning of the 80s of the last century, there has been a sharp decline in flights, foreign countries have refused flights to South Africa. This was due to the imposed UN sanctions for the policy of apartheid.
After the sanctions were lifted, all flights resumed, and by 1996 the airport in Johannesburg surpassed its main competitor, the airport in Cairo, in terms of passenger traffic. Accordingly, from this year it is the busiest in Africa.
Services
The airport in Johannesburg offers a standard set of services needed on the way - post office, bank branches, ATMs, Internet access, etc.
Also, there are cafes and restaurants for passengers, which are happy to feed their visitors with the most delicious and fresh dishes.
Of course, if you wish, you can visit the shops, which are more than enough at the airport.
For passengers with children, there is a mother and child room, as well as special play rooms.
Transport
The Johannesburg airport has a large and spacious car park. The airport is connected to the city by public transport: trains, buses and taxis.
In addition, you can get to the city on your own by renting a car. Companies are located right on the territory of the terminal.
