Named after ANC leader Oliver Reginald Tambo, the airport serves as the primary gateway into Southern Africa for international travellers and a major hub connecting flights across the rest of the continent.
Source: Airports Company South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was OR Tambo?
Oliver Reginald Tambo led the African National Congress for over three decades, including through much of its exile period during apartheid, before returning to South Africa shortly before his death in 1993.
How many passengers does OR Tambo handle?
It processes well over 20 million passengers in a typical year, reflecting its role as the primary hub connecting Southern Africa to the rest of the world.
When did the airport get its current name?
It was renamed OR Tambo International Airport in 2006, having previously been known as Jan Smuts Airport and later Johannesburg International Airport.