As noted in last month’s article on Africa’s aviation sector, airports are massively contributing to the economic development of Africa. They connect cities across the world, facilitate trade and boost tourism. Naturally, these airports cost a lot to construct.
Here’s a list of the top 10 most expensive airports in Africa:
10. Maya-Maya Airport, Republic of Congo – $160 million
Situated in capital city Brazzaville, Maya-Maya airport is the hub for Equatorial Congo Airlines.
9. Bamako-Sénou International Airport, Mali – $181 million
Opened in 1974, Mali’s main airport was upgraded between 2007-2012 in a $181 million project funded by US foreign aid agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation.
8. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia – $130 million
his is the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, and last year underwent a Chinese state-backed expansion worth $340 million.
7. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa – $138 million
This 62-year-old airport was extensively expanded and renovated for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
6. Hurghada International Airport, Egypt – $155 million
Egypt’s second busiest airport after Cairo International Airport, Hurghada expanded to have two terminals in 2014.
5. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius – $306 million
This airport is Mauritius’ primary one. It’s new terminal, constructed in 2013, resembles the shape of a regional tropical plant.
4. Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, Egypt – $350 million
The Egyptian Airports Holding Company built a third new terminal at this Egyptian airport in 2008, with the intention to double capacity. The primary costs were estimated at $350 million.
3. Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, Tunisia – $520 million
Relatively new, this airport began construction in 2007 and was open to the public in 2009.
2. King Shaka International Airport, South Africa – $900 million
This airport is the hub for SA Express, and Skytrax (airline ranking site) declared King Shaka the world’s best airport (under 5 million passenger category) in 2013.
1. O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa – $1.5 billion
The O.R, Tambo International Airport is located in Gauteng, and like Cape Town International Airport, underwent huge transformations in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
