Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport is South Africa’s largest and busiest airport, located approximately 20 kilometers east of central Johannesburg. Established in 1952 as Jan Smuts Airport, it was renamed in 2006 to honor anti-apartheid activist Oliver Reginald Tambo.
JNB serves as a major gateway to Africa and a hub for South African Airways and other regional carriers.
Airport Layout and Operations
Photo (c) Alan Wilson
The airport features six terminals within two main buildings, separated into domestic and international sections.
With two parallel runways (03L/21R and 03R/21L), O. R. Tambo handles around 20 million passengers annually and hosts a diverse mix of airlines.
It welcomes widebodies such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, and 787 from global carriers, alongside regional and domestic aircraft.
Airlines and Destinations
FrogsLegs71, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Key operators at Johannesburg Airport include:
- South African Airways
- Airlink
- CemAir
- FlySafair
- LIFT
As well as these important international carriers:
British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Delta Air Lines. The airport connects to major hubs worldwide, offering a unique mix of international, African, and domestic flights.
Johannesburg Airport Spotting Locations
Domestic Viewing Deck: Located in the domestic terminal, this designated area offers excellent views of taxiing and parked aircraft. Bring binoculars for better detail.
International Viewing Deck: Follow signs for ‘Viewing Deck’ past the international terminal’s check-in counters. Follow signs upstairs to a viewing area with views over some of the gates and part of the runway.
Photo (c) Hi Flyerz Aviation Bar
Hi-Flyerz Aviation Bar: Located to the south of the airport and under the approach path to runway 03R. This is a bar and restaurant with the cockpit of a Boeing 747 (formerly ZS-SAL) as part of the interior. It is great for morning photography and spotting all day, with air traffic control transmissions streamed on speakers. Viewpoint road, Bartlett, Boksburg, +27 11 897 0106, www.hiflyerz.com
Spotting Tips:
Morning light favors the northern runway, while afternoon light is better for the southern runway.
Follow security guidelines; always ask for permission when spotting from private locations.
Carry identification, as local security may ask for it.
Avoid being alone while spotting outside, and don’t show your camera equipment too openly. Don’t walk outside at night.
Nearby Attractions
Photo (c) Alan Wilson
While in Johannesburg, visit the South African Airways Museum Society at Rand Airport (about 30 minutes away). This fascinating museum features preserved aircraft like the Boeing 747-200 and other historical airliners. It’s a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
For non-aviation activities, explore the Apartheid Museum or take a trip to the nearby Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the region’s ancient history.
Johannesburg O. R. Tambo offers a rich and diverse plane spotting experience, enhanced by its global connections and proximity to unique attractions. Happy spotting!
Have you been plane spotting at Johannesburg Airport? Leave a comment below with your tips!
