A NEW report from AirHelp has cast a spotlight on the varying quality of airport operations across Africa. The comprehensive study, which evaluated 239 airports globally, reveals both shining examples of excellence and glaring inefficiencies in the continent’s infrastructure. With a focus on on-time performance, customer satisfaction, and amenities such as food and shopping, the findings underscore the stark contrast between the region’s best and worst airports.
Leading the pack: Africa’s airport superstars
Cape Town International Airport in South Africa continues to set the standard for African airports. Globally ranked second, the airport scored an impressive 8.50 overall, excelling in customer satisfaction (8.4) and on-time performance (8.6). Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, Cape Town’s airport is a hub of operational excellence, serving as a model for airports across the continent.
Johannesburg International Airport, also in South Africa, ranks closely behind in sixth place worldwide, with a score of 8.29. Another beacon of excellence, Johannesburg benefits from smooth operations and high levels of customer satisfaction, with an 8.3 score in this category. These two South African airports dominate the African aviation landscape, offering a glimpse of what is possible when infrastructure, management, and customer experience align.
Morocco’s Marrakesh Menara Airport comes in third for Africa, ranking 168th globally with a score of 7.33. While its overall ranking falls behind that of South African giants, Marrakesh’s solid customer satisfaction score of 7.8 highlights its reputation as a pleasant travel hub, particularly for those seeking a cultural experience in the heart of Morocco.
Struggling airports: Africa’s infrastructure challenges
Despite these success stories, many African airports continue to face significant challenges. Cairo International Airport, Egypt’s busiest airport, ranks poorly globally at 201st. It scored just 7.16 overall, with a disappointing 6.6 in on-time performance. Although its customer satisfaction rating of 7.8 is strong, delays and operational inefficiencies suggest a need for significant improvements in both management and infrastructure.
In Morocco, Casablanca’s Mohamed V International Airport also struggles with performance. Despite a respectable customer satisfaction score of 7.8, its overall score of 7.05 places it just above Cairo in terms of operational standards. The airport’s on-time performance, however, continues to hamper its reputation, making it a less-than-ideal option for travellers seeking seamless experiences.
At the bottom of the list is Tunis Carthage International Airport in Tunisia. With a global ranking of 239th and a dismal overall score of 5.35, Tunis’s airport lags far behind. The airport’s poor on-time performance (4.8) and low customer satisfaction (6.2) signal urgent need for overhaul. As one of the worst-rated airports in the world, it is clear that Tunis Carthage faces a long road ahead to meet global standards.
The broader picture: the African aviation landscape
While South Africa leads the way with its world-class airports, other countries in Africa face an uphill battle in improving airport infrastructure and service quality. The disparity in airport performance reflects the broader challenges facing the African aviation sector, which is often hindered by underinvestment, outdated facilities, and political instability in some regions.
Aviation experts highlight the need for greater investment in modernising airport facilities, improving operational efficiency, and prioritising customer experience. Additionally, the on-time performance scores in many African airports underscore the pressing need to address logistical inefficiencies and improve punctuality.
As Africa’s travel and tourism sectors continue to grow, the pressure is on for governments and private stakeholders to invest in improving airports across the continent. By learning from the successes of Cape Town and Johannesburg, other airports could elevate the standard of air travel in Africa, offering passengers a more reliable and enjoyable experience.
