Johannesburg airport seated in the heart of Kempton park (Ekurhuleni), Gauteng in South Africa. The JNB short code for the OR Tambo International Airport, have gone through some major changes since it was founded in 1952.
Previously known as Jan Smuts Airport, so named after a famous politician at the time. In 1994 it was renamed as Johannesburg International Airport, then in November 2006 it was renamed again after Oliver Tambo, as the former president of the ANC. South Africa is listed as the most popular destination in Africa. The busiest airport is the Oliver Tambo International Airport.
During the 1980s, many countries refrained from trading with South Africa due to sanctions imposed on them. This was due to South Africa's stand on "apartheid" which resulted in many countries not flying to SA anymore.
Two planes were shot down when flying over Rhodesia (known as Zimbabwe now), which forced them to fly around Africa. It required the construction of a Airbus to handle the distance that needed to be covered. The Boeing 747 was born as a result of this. Then, since 1994 when apartheid were lifted, things changed for the better.
Visitors that came to JNB airport recently were pleasantly surprised to see how smoothly things are run at the airport. The recent developments since 2010, as preparation for the FIFA World Cup, surely made a great impression on many visitors to the airport.
The international terminal, constructed to house the all new Airbus A380, adding to that, the functionality of the upgraded shopping area, the overall neat and pleasing decor off the airport inner areas, not to mention the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link above the terminal, all made their contribution to the smooth running of the newly renovated JNB Airport.
Another project that is under way will cost in the region of R8 billion, to include its own international check-in facilities, shops and lounges. By 2015, the airport is expected to reach a capacity for around 24 million passengers per annum. The runways are currently considered to be the longest in the world at 3300 and 4400m respectively
Visitors to the OR Tambo International Airport will be delighted to know that there are various amenities available within short distance from the airport. Their accommodation needs are covered by places like the Airport Grand Hotel that is a five minute drive away from the airport, offering the business executives easy access to other major centers of Pretoria and Johannesburg.