SA proudly hosts six of Africa’s best airport lounges
South Africa hosts six of the finest airport lounges in Africa, which is great news for travelers and airline passengers.
Good news for travellers in South Africa: the country boasts six of Africa’s top airport lounges.
AIRPORT LOUNGES
Airport lounges are a significant component of air travel, offering travellers a respite from crowded terminals and a little comfort before boarding a flight.
The rise in the use of airport lounges is indeed due to several factors, including the increasing affluence of the middle class in emerging markets and a rising demand for premium travel experiences worldwide.
THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
Airport lounges in Africa are gaining in prominence, according to Business Insider.
In fact, there is an increasing number of high-quality lounges across the continent, enhancing travel experiences in Africa.
That said, six of the best airport lounges in Africa are in South Africa.
ACCOLADES FOR SOUTH AFRICA
While South Africa did not clinch the number one or number two spot on the continent, six of the country’s airport lounges are indeed listed among the top ten in Africa.
This list is courtesy of data provided by Skytrax. Skytrax is an international organisation that rates airlines and airports based on product and service standards.
The top eight airport lounges in Africa are as follows :
1st Place: Amédée Maingard Lounge at Mauritius SSR Airport
2nd Place: Royal Air Maroc Le Zenith Lounge at Casablanca Airport
3rd Place: Arrivals Lounge, O.R. Tambo International Airport
4th Place: Domestic Lounge, Cape Town International Airport
5th Place: Domestic Lounge, King Shaka International Airport
6th Place: Domestic Lounge, O.R. Tambo International Airport
7th Place: International Business Class Lounge, O.R. Tambo International Airport
8th Place: International Platinum Lounge, O.R. Tambo International Airport
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Most of the best African lounges listed in the Skytrax ratings are indeed operated by South Africa’s national airline, South African Airways.
The airline offers airport lounge access to passengers in premium classes as well as those who are members of its loyalty programme SAA Voyager.
GROWTH IN AIRPORT LOUNGE MARKET
Airport lounges are key to increasing passenger comfort as well as brand loyalty when members are allowed to access airport lounges.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the global airport lounges market is in fact projected to expand from USD 4.21 billion in 2024 to USD 9.44 billion by 2029, growing at a robust CAGR of 17.52% during this period.