A recent report by AirHelp, a leading air travel intelligence company, has shed light on the performance and traveller satisfaction of airports across Africa, with Cape Town International Airport emerging as the top-ranked airport on the continent and second-best globally.

The report, which evaluated 239 airports from 69 countries, used three essential metrics: on-time performance, customer opinions, and food and shopping experience. Cape Town International Airport led the pack with an exceptional AirHelp score of 8.50, boasting an on-time performance score of 8.6 and an impressive customer opinion rating of 8.4. Its modern infrastructure, excellent amenities, and efficiency make it a benchmark for other airports on the continent.

South Africa cements its dominance in airport performance with Johannesburg International Airport, ranked 6th globally, scoring 8.29 overall. The airport garners praise for its smooth operations and strong customer satisfaction rating of 8.3. Marrakesh Menara Airport in Morocco ranks third in Africa with a score of 7.33, boasting strong customer opinions, scoring 7.8 in that category.

However, not all African airports fared as well. Cairo International Airport in Egypt ranks fourth in Africa but falls significantly on the global scale, with an overall score of 7.16. While it scores a decent 7.8 in customer opinion, its on-time performance (6.6) leaves room for improvement. Casablanca Mohamed V International Airport in Morocco follows closely behind Cairo, with a score of 7.05, facing similar challenges in efficiency. Tunis Carthage International Airport in Tunisia ranks at the bottom of the African list and globally at 239th, with an overall score of 5.35, highlighting the need for substantial improvements in service quality and operational efficiency.

The varying levels of performance and traveller satisfaction among African airports reflect the continent's mixed bag of world-class facilities and infrastructure challenges. While some airports exemplify innovation, efficiency, and a warm welcome for travellers, others struggle with outdated facilities, long delays, and inadequate services. Operational inefficiencies, such as poor baggage handling and insufficient passenger amenities, also leave travellers frustrated.

The report's findings have significant implications for the continent's economic growth and connectivity. Airports that handle increasing passenger traffic with ease and enhance connectivity can contribute to economic growth, while those plagued by operational inefficiencies can hinder it. As African countries continue to develop their airport infrastructure, the report serves as a valuable benchmark for improvement.

In conclusion, the AirHelp report provides a comprehensive assessment of African airports, highlighting the best and worst performers globally. As the continent continues to evolve, it is essential for airports to prioritize innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction to remain competitive and drive economic growth.