Airports and Flight Operators in South Africa

South Africa is an international hub with an extensive infrastructure of airports and roads that connect its citizens and visitors to their destinations. South Africa welcomes you!

South Africa has 3 major international airports and a few smaller airports for local flights. The international airports are Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. National airports include Margate, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Lanseria and many more.

OR Tambo (previously Johannesburg International (JNB) and before that, Jan Smuts) is the biggest airport in South Africa with major additions being done in 2007. All 3 the international airports are run according to strict guidelines with the safety of travellers and families/friends in mind.

Getting to and from the airports:

• Taxi or cab
• Shuttle

• Drop off zones are in front of the international and national terminals to shorten your journey time extensively.

International South African flight operators:

• South African Airways (SAA) flies to all airports within South Africa and to international destinations.

• Nationwide flies to most of the airports in South Africa and to international destinations.

Low cost/smaller flight operators:

• kulula (the first low cost operator in South Africa and celebrated their 6th year in 2007) - green and blue. Kulula is the only low cost operator to date that flies from both Lanseria and OR Tambo. Flights include all major airports and the Margate airport for beach bums from Johannesburg.

• 1Time (the second operator) - yellow and red. 1Time has flights only from OR Tambo, Cape Town and Durban. • Mango (Owned by SAA) - orange, green and black.

• Mango currently only has flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

All 5 flight operators have routes within the borders of South Africa and all have specials running during low or quiet seasons to attract clientele. Bookings can be made directly thru each airline's website. Keep an eye on their websites and mailers for special rates.

The lowest fare starts from R199 (excluding taxes) between Johannesburg and Durban. Between Cape Town and Johannesburg I have paid fares as low as R300! Always shop around for flight rates before booking your seat - sometimes even SAA will beat the low cost airlines... you never know what you might find if you are willing to spend some time shopping around.

Do take note that check-in times for international flights have changed due to security reasons. Local flights are have a 1 hour ahead of flight check-in deadline.