OR Tambo International Airport
OR Tambo International Airport, International airport in Kempton Park, South Africa
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kempton Park).
This collection brings together the twenty largest international airports in the world by total area. From King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia with its 776 km² to Beijing Capital International Airport with 23.3 km², these aviation facilities represent the most extensive installations on...
South African Airways Museum Society
14.3 km
Germiston Stadium
12.2 km
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club
14 km
Wild Waters
3.9 km
St Boniface Church Germiston
11.7 km
WesBank Raceway
15.1 kmGlendower Golf Club
10.4 kmEbotse Golf & Country Estate
10.4 kmSerengeti Golf Club
11.7 km
Emperors Palace
2.5 kmGermiston Golf Club
14.5 kmKempton Park Golf Club
5 kmCinderella Dam
11.2 kmVanryndam
10.9 kmBenoni Country Club
10.1 kmBenoni Lake Club
7 kmERPM Golf Course
6.7 kmRoyal Oak Country Club
14.2 kmGermiston Cenotaph
11.8 kmImperial Logistics
13.2 kmRiverfields Melkery
9.5 kmJabu
9.5 kmReefsteamers Depot (Former)
10.5 kmMickey Mouse House
7.9 kmThe Barnyard
2.5 kmHome
12.7 kmRhino on a pole
3.9 kmScenic viewpoint
1.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes