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South African Airports Shine in Global Rankings South African Airports Shine in Global Rankings

South Africa’s airports have demonstrated exceptional performance in the latest AirHelp Score 2025, a global airport ranking renowned for its comprehensive methodology and passenger-centric approach. This achievement underscores South Africa’s commitment to delivering high-quality travel experiences and presents exciting opportunities for African travel agents.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has secured the top spot worldwide with an impressive score of 8.57, surpassing last year’s leader, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar. This remarkable achievement reflects CPT’s dedication to operational efficiency, exceptional customer service, and top-notch amenities. For travel agents, this recognition reinforces CPT’s status as a premier gateway to Southern Africa, attracting discerning travelers seeking seamless and enjoyable airport experiences.

Adding to South Africa’s triumph, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban has made its debut in the global Top 10, securing an admirable 7th place with a score of 8.40. This milestone marks DUR’s entry into the elite group of the world’s best-performing airports, highlighting its growing prominence as a key travel hub in the region. Travel agents can leverage this positive momentum to promote DUR as a preferred destination, offering clients a gateway to KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant tourism offerings.

While O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg experienced a slight dip in ranking, moving from 6th place in 2024 to 20th place in 2025, its score of 8.10 remains highly respectable. This adjustment in ranking underscores the dynamic nature of the global airport landscape and the continuous need for improvement and adaptation. Despite the shift, JNB continues to be a vital gateway to South Africa, serving as a major transit point for travelers across the continent.

The AirHelp Score 2025 evaluated 250 airports across 68 countries based on a comprehensive methodology that considers on-time performance (60%), customer service and airport experience (20%), and shop and restaurant ratings (20%). This balanced approach ensures a holistic assessment of airport performance, reflecting both operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

For African travel agents, these rankings provide valuable insights for crafting compelling travel itineraries. The strong performance of South African airports enhances the country’s appeal as a travel destination, attracting both leisure and business travelers. Agents can capitalize on this positive image by promoting South Africa’s world-class airports as a key selling point, offering clients seamless connections, exceptional service, and a positive travel experience from arrival to departure.

The success of CPT, DUR, and JNB also reflects the broader growth and development of the African aviation sector. As more African airports invest in infrastructure, technology, and customer service, the continent’s position as a global travel destination continues to strengthen. This positive trend creates new opportunities for travel agents to expand their offerings, cater to a wider range of traveler preferences, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the African tourism industry.

The AirHelp Score 2025 serves as a benchmark for airport excellence, motivating airports worldwide to prioritize passenger experience and operational efficiency. The strong performance of South African airports in this global ranking sets a positive example for the region, inspiring continued investment and innovation in the African aviation sector.