Africa's Top Airports in 2024: Passenger Growth & Key Trends
In 2024, Africa’s aviation sector demonstrated impressive passenger movement, with growth trends highlighted in the continent's top airports. Cairo International Airport emerged as the busiest, handling 18,712,227 passengers—a 46% increase compared to 2019 and an 11% rise from 2023. Its extensive connections to regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and North America underscored its pivotal role in global connectivity. Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport ranked second, hosting 12,272,780 passengers. Although this represents an 18% decrease from 2019, it reflects a modest 4% year-over-year growth from 2023, signifying steady recovery. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport took third place with 12,099,516 passengers, marking a 32% increase from 2019 and an 11% rise from the preceding year. Its strategic position as a major hub for Ethiopian Airlines cements its role in facilitating both intra-African and global travel.
These developments align with global aviation trends, where passenger activity continued despite industry challenges. Increased demand for air travel in Africa reflects broader changes driven by urbanization, growing trade, and tourism. While global leaders like Dubai International and London Heathrow sustained high traffic volumes, Africa’s airports revealed a notable upward trajectory, reinforcing the continent’s evolving role in global travel and economic integration.
Cape Town's F1 Bid: Could a Grand Prix Transform the City?
Cape Town is exploring the opportunity to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, proposing a 5.7km street circuit in the Green Point area near DHL Stadium. This initiative aims to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa after a 30-year hiatus. The organizers, Cape Town Grand Prix SA, are set to present the bid to South Africa’s Bid Steering Committee, emphasizing the rising global popularity of city-based F1 circuits, as seen in Monaco, Singapore, and Miami. Their experience with events like the successful Formula E race in Green Point in 2023 lends weight to the proposal, which promises significant economic benefits—highlighted by the Formula E event generating R2.13 billion in spending.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of the bid, noting its potential for wide-reaching gains. However, Cape Town faces stiff competition. The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg is being upgraded to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, while a new circuit near Fisantekraal airport is also in contention. As the city seeks to align itself with motorsport’s urban allure, the decision on which South African venue could host Formula 1 remains pivotal for the country’s motorsport legacy.
Attract & Retain Tourism Talent: FITUR Talent 2025's African Focus
FITUR Talent 2025, hosted on January 23rd at IFEMA MADRID, will spotlight effective strategies for attracting and retaining talent in the tourism sector. This sixth edition, themed “How to attract and retain talent in the tourism industry. Best practices and success stories,” brings together experts from HR, academia, and leading organizations to discuss practical solutions. The sessions include initiatives like Zambia's Tourism and Hospitality Education Summit, fostering collaboration across Africa and Latin America, and Fundación Mahou San Miguel’s training programs for young hospitality professionals. Discussions will emphasize the rising role of technology, including AI, in shaping talent integration, work methods, and business models.
The program also introduces leadership development initiatives in Spain through collaborations like AEDH and Les Roches, targeting the next generation of hotel industry leaders. Panels will address personalized talent engagement strategies, fostering team commitment through internal practices. Other sessions explore transformational approaches in talent development, focusing on ongoing training, digitalization, and engaging new generations. Additionally, the Escola d’Enoturisme de Catalunya will highlight the impact of professional training on competitiveness within wine tourism. FITUR Talent 2025 aims to create a blueprint for innovation and collaboration, catering to the evolving needs of Africa’s travel, hospitality, and tourism industries while fostering global partnerships.
