Top 21 Busiest Airports
The global aviation industry is bouncing back from the pandemic, and the world’s top 21 busiest airports are leading the way. The Airports Council International’s (ACI) report shows these airports by how many passengers they handle. This highlights the strength and importance of flying around the world1.
In the United States, 8 of the top 20 busiest airports show how strong domestic travel is globally1. The industry is getting closer to where it was before COVID, with air travel now at 94.2% of 2019 levels1.
Looking closer at the data, we see interesting facts about airports. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is now the busiest airport, with 104,653,451 passengers in 2023. This is an 11.7% increase from last year1. Dubai International Airport is second, with 86,994,365 passengers, showing a big 31.7% increase1.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: The Undisputed Leader
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport globally. In 2023, it welcomed a huge2 104,653,451 passengers. This makes it the top aviation hub2.
Atlanta’s Dominance in Global Air Travel
ATL is the clear leader in air travel. It has been the busiest airport since 1998, except for 2020 when COVID-19 hit2. Being Delta Air Lines’ main hub, ATL offers many domestic and international routes. This helps it handle a lot of passengers2.
Efficient Operations and Extensive Flight Network
ATL is known for its efficient operations and management. It’s a key part of the global air travel network2. With its wide flight network, ATL connects travelers easily. It’s a top choice for both fun and business trips.
“Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been the world’s busiest airport every year since 1998, with the exception of 2020, when its passenger traffic dipped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The airport’s great location, modern facilities, and focus on doing things well have made it the busiest airport in the world2. It’s a key transport hub for the U.S. and the aviation world.
Bustling US Airports Shaping Global Aviation
The United States is home to some of the world’s busiest airports. These airports play a key role in global air travel3. In 2023, the U.S. had 5 of the top 10 busiest airports globally. This shows the country’s big impact on aviation3.
These airports are important for both domestic and international travel. They help American airports become more important worldwide.
Domestic Travel Fuels the Rise of American Airports
Domestic air travel in the U.S. is a big reason why its airports are successful3. Most top U.S. airports handle between 70% and 95% domestic passengers. This shows how much people travel within the country3.
Airports like Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), Denver International (DEN), and Los Angeles International (LAX) have grown a lot. They are key links in the country’s transport network.
These airports also connect the U.S. to the world’s aviation system3. They have many flights and work well, moving people and goods across borders. This helps with the economy and cultural exchange today.
| Airport | Passengers (2023) | Rank (2023) | Rank (2022) | Change from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | 104.65 million | 1 | 1 | 12% increase |
| Dubai International Airport | 87 million | 2 | 5 | Moved up 3 spots |
| Tokyo Haneda International Airport | 78.7 million | 5 | 16 | Moved up 11 spots |
| Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport | 81.75 million | 6 | N/A | N/A |
| London’s Heathrow Airport | 79.2 million | 7 | N/A | N/A |
| Denver International Airport | 77.8 million | 8 | N/A | N/A |
The table shows how well U.S. airports are doing3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest, with over 104 million passengers in 2023, a 12% jump from last year3. Airports like Dallas-Fort Worth International, Denver International, and Los Angeles International have also grown a lot. They are key for travel in the U.S. and around the world.
These busy U.S. airports are very important in the world of aviation3. They connect the U.S. to the world, moving people, goods, and ideas across borders3. Their good locations, efficient work, and many flights make them key parts of the global aviation system. They will shape air travel’s future.
busiest airports: A Glimpse into the World’s Aviation Hubs
In 2023, the top 21 busiest airports welcomed 1.41 billion passengers, making up 16% of all air travel4. These hubs are key in the global air network, located in countries like the United States, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Airports like Dubai International (DXB), Heathrow (LHR), and Tokyo Haneda (HND) are major gateways, connecting people and goods worldwide4.
These airports are crucial for global connectivity and commerce, thanks to their passenger numbers and strategic spots4. As air travel recovers from COVID-19, these hubs will be more important for international travel5.
| Airport | Passengers (2022) | % Change from 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | 93,699,630 | 23.8% |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | 73,362,946 | 17.5% |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | 69,286,461 | 17.8% |
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | 68,340,619 | 26.5% |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | 66,069,981 | 127.0% |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 65,924,298 | 37.3% |
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | 64,289,107 | 73.8% |
| London Heathrow Airport (LHR) | 61,614,508 | 217.7% |
| Indira Gandhi Delhi International Airport (DEL) | 59,490,074 | 60.2% |
| Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) | 57,474,033 | 119.4% |
This look at the world’s busiest airports shows how the aviation industry is always changing6. These major hubs will keep adapting and innovating, shaping the future of air travel and connecting people and goods globally5.
Rebounding from the Pandemic: Post-COVID Passenger Growth
The world is coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and air travel is bouncing back strongly. In 2023, global air traffic jumped by 30.5% over the previous year, reaching 94.2% of 2019 levels7. This shows how the aviation industry has bounced back quickly and flexibly.
The top 20 busiest airports globally handled 1.41 billion passengers in 2023. This is 16% of all passengers worldwide and a 96.8% recovery from 20197.
Airports Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Traffic Levels
Some major US airports have not just recovered but have seen more passengers than before the pandemic. In 2023, airports like Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), Denver International (DEN), Orlando International (MCO), and Harry Reid International (LAS) saw more passengers. The increases ranged from 4.9% to 12.8% over 2019 levels7.
This shows how strong and quick these airports are in helping the world’s air travel recover.
The US leads in global aviation, with eight of its airports in the top 20 busiest list. These airports focus mainly on domestic travel, with shares between 70% and 95%7. Seven US airports are also among the busiest for cargo in 2023, showing their key role in moving people and goods7.
As the industry moves forward after COVID, the success of these top airports shows the ongoing recovery and a bright future for air travel78.
The Future of Air Travel: Trends and Challenges
Exploring air travel’s future is thrilling, with new trends and innovations on the horizon. The recovery of international flights after the pandemic is key, with Airports Council International (ACI) World forecasting a 5.8% growth in passengers each year from 2022 to9. This growth highlights the need for airports and airlines to evolve and cater to today’s traveler.
Sustainability is now a top concern, with airports causing 2% to 5% of all aviation emissions9. The sector is turning to eco-friendly methods, like electric and hybrid planes, and sustainable projects10. The return of supersonic flights, with United Airlines buying 15 new planes, will change air travel by 202910.
Technology is reshaping the industry, with automated MRO reducing downtime and AI predicting maintenance issues10. Biometric tech and airport digitization are making travel smoother and more tailored for passengers9. These changes also open up new ways for the industry to make money.
FAQ
What are the world’s top 21 busiest airports?
Which airport has been the world’s busiest every year since 1998, with the exception of 2020?
How many of the world’s top 20 busiest airports are located in the United States?
What percentage of the world’s passenger traffic do the top 20 busiest airports account for?
Which US airports have surpassed their pre-COVID passenger volumes?
What are some of the key trends and challenges facing the world’s busiest airports?
Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_busiest_airports_by_passenger_traffic – List of busiest airports by passenger traffic
- https://fracs.aero/2024/03/28/the-ever-evolving-landscape-of-aviation-a-look-at-the-top-25-busiest-airports-in-2023/ – The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Aviation: A Look at the Top 25 Busiest Airports in 2023 – France Aviation Civile Services
- https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-busiest-airports-in-the-world – A New Ranking Reveals the World’s Busiest Airports—and Half Are in the United States
- https://pilotinstitute.com/busiest-airports/ – Busiest Airports in the World – Pilot Institute
- https://asianaviation.com/aci-top-10-busiest-airports-in-the-world-shift/ – ACI: Top 10 busiest airports in the world shift – Asian Aviation
- https://www.magicbricks.com/blog/busiest-airports-in-the-world/134927.html – 10 Busiest Airports in the World – List Revealed
- https://simpleflying.com/worlds-busiest-airports-us-contingent-analysis/ – Did You Know 8 Of The World’s 20 Busiest Airports Are Located In The US?
- https://aci.aero/2023/04/05/international-travel-returns-top-10-busiest-airports-in-the-world-revealed/ – International travel returns: Top 10 busiest airports in the world revealed | ACI World
- https://www.oliverwymanforum.com/mobility/2023/jun/airport-evolution-travel-trends-by-2050.html – Evolution Of Airports – Travel Trends In The Next 30 Years
- https://www.airportgurus.com/en/the-future-of-air-travel-innovations-and-trends/ – The Future of Air Travel: Innovations and Trends – Airport Gurús
