OR Tambo International Airport, International airport in Kempton Park, South Africa
OR Tambo International Airport is an international airport in Kempton Park in Gauteng province, operating at an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level with two parallel runways. The terminal features multiple levels with check-in counters, security checkpoints, waiting areas, and arrival halls that handle domestic and international flight traffic.
The airport opened in 1952 as Jan Smuts International Airport, replacing Palmietfontein International Airport, which had handled European flights since 1945. Renaming to honor Oliver Tambo took place in 2006 in recognition of his role in the fight against apartheid.
Terminal areas display exhibitions about Oliver Reginald Tambo and South African aviation heritage through photographs, artifacts, and educational panels. These presentations give travelers insight into the significance of the airport's namesake and the development of civil aviation in the country.
The Gautrain express rail system connects travelers directly to Johannesburg and Pretoria business districts from dedicated airport stations. Signage throughout the terminal is multilingual and guides passengers to departure, arrival, and transit areas as well as ground transportation options.
The airport provides scheduled passenger direct flights between all six inhabited continents, making it a central hub for African air traffic. This reach makes it an important gateway for travelers moving between Africa and the rest of the world.
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